Cancer warning on MDF

[jussi]

I was at the local borg and noticed the 1/2" 2x4 panels of MDF had a warning saying this material has known chemicals that cause cancer. I've never seen this before. It was called Hardipanel MDF (if that makes a difference). But I didn't see the same warning on the full size 4x8 sheets. This new? What is the chemical they're talking about and how dangerous is it?

They also don't cut MDF anymore. Not sure if this new as I've never asked them to cut MDF before.

[crokett]

Anything and everything can cause cancer if you take it in large enough quantities. I've always taken that warning to mean that somebody somewhere took those full strength chemicals and exposed lab rats to a bazillion more times exposure than would occur in the real world until they got cancer. Then the chemical was labeled 'cancer causing'. I bought some of those panels at my BORG about a month ago and didn't see a warning. Must be new.

[pecker]

You sure it was mdf? Hardipanel is a cement board product.
http://www.jameshardieeu.com/pages.p...subpage=hpanel

[jussi]

You sure it was mdf? Hardipanel is a cement board product.
http://www.jameshardieeu.com/pages.p...subpage=hpanel

No it was MDF. It was in the section with the other smaller sheets. 2x4 pegboard, 2x4 ply, etc.

[MilDoc]

MDF contains urea-formaldehyde resins and creates a very fine dust when cut, making it much easier to inhale deep into the lungs. Urea-formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that the lungs can not eliminate. Add that to the irritation of the fine dust, and you take your chances.

Use a mask.

[BigguyZ]

I'm not surprised. I saw if you are cutting MDF- you darn well better be wearing a respirator.

[cabinetman]

I was at the local borg and noticed the 1/2" 2x4 panels of MDF had a warning saying this material has known chemicals that cause cancer. I've never seen this before. It was called Hardipanel MDF (if that makes a difference). But I didn't see the same warning on the full size 4x8 sheets. This new? What is the chemical they're talking about and how dangerous is it?

They also don't cut MDF anymore. Not sure if this new as I've never asked them to cut MDF before.

MDF and particle board contain urea formaldehyde, and plywoods contain phenol formaldehyde. I don't remember product data sheets attached to those products on a retail level. For the trades using those products, we get them all the time.
.

[just started]

I just got back from my local borg and didn't see any warning labels, and I was looking for them since I saw this post before I went. I will take a guess and say that you live on the always wrong (left) coast.

[leehljp]

Most things on this earth can and will cause cancer in someone; The libelous minded legal system has permeated the public. It only takes one person to get cancer and have it remotely related to MDF carcinogens - to send the MDF mfgs into a tail spin. I would be willing to bet that there are some woods that have higher carcinogens naturally in their cells than MDF and Urea-formaldehyde does.

As Paul (MilDoc) said - use a mask.

Libelous warning labels do not tell the specific inherent danger and will not, IMO be able to because of another variable - the individual human body. People's own DNA determines who will get a cancer from a carcinogen or not.

Not a carcinogenic but - Peanuts and peanut butter are very nutritious, but to some - peanuts and peanut derivitives can cause instant death. A person's own DNA determines whether peanuts are nutritious or deadly.

Tobacco - a few people smoke for a lifetime, or chew for 40, 50 or 60 years and never get cancer of one kind or another. A person's own DNA determines how long it will take, along with how much is needed before smoke or tobacco carcinogens trigger cancer.

One's probability and percentages of getting cancer from something is probably determined more by his own DNA than the actual carcinogen itself. There are quite a few exceptions such as radiation and certain chemicals, but we are talking about naturally used everyday items in MDF.

[crokett]

Lee, thanks for making my point a lot better than I did.

[dlminehart]

California's prop. 65 requires everything that could cause cancer to have that fact stated on the product. As a result, every store in the state has a sign by the front door, "This establishment sells products that the state of California has determined could cause cancer." Some places (Woodcraft, I believe) actually have it printed automatically on ALL their price tags! What a ridiculous law! I think it's had exactly the opposite effect intended; people tend to ignore warning labels now, because they see them all the time on everything.

[cabinetman]

A respirator may control what we breathe, but the fact is that we have to touch the stuff. Our nose and mouth is not the only orifice that can be a avenue for toxic subjection. Our eyes, ears, and other areas, include the skin. For those that are allergic (and not know it) to even some species of hardwoods, the initial reaction may be an obvious one and from that point on the allergy may get worse. The term "dermatitis" covers a broad range.
.

[MilDoc]

Remember black lung? Asbestos lung? And others?

The lungs aren't very self-cleaning. Inhale it - it stays.

Wear a mask for any sanding, and always with MDF due to its fine powder.

[leehljp]

A respirator may control what we breathe, but the fact is that we have to touch the stuff. Our nose and mouth is not the only orifice that can be a avenue for toxic subjection. Our eyes, ears, and other areas, include the skin. For those that are allergic (and not know it) to even some species of hardwoods, the initial reaction may be an obvious one and from that point on the allergy may get worse. The term "dermatitis" covers a broad range.
.

My lungs and or sinuses are highly alergic to the CA (super glue) dust used as a finish on pens. I like using CA and becasue of the alergy problems that I have had from working with it - I have tried many masks in an attempt to be able to continue using CA. I finally settled on a good Dust Collector system that is very effective. But I also found that, as you alluded to - I get it on my hands and that often transfers to my face. It is not nearly as bad but dust from my hands do make its way to my face, nose, mouth or eyes. When I wipe my hands on a damp towel after each use, I have far less problems. Until recently, I was not aware of the amount of dust that transfers from hand to face so casually.

[jussi]

Ah yes I forgot the note specifically stating something about "California Law" requiring the warning be placed on the product so these warnings may not be nationwide.