CUSTOMwood / CUSTOMwood MDF Panels / CUSTOMwood E1 MDF Panels

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

In its intact state, this product is not classifi ed as a hazardous substance according to the critieria of Worksafe Australia. Dust from the dry product is classifi ed as a hazardous substance according to the critieria of Worksafe Australia.

Health hazards

Information Formaldehyde gas may be released under some conditions. However, in well-ventilated storage areas and workplaces, the concentration of formaldehyde is unlikely to exceed the World Health Organisation standard of 0.1ppm for the general environment and it will be well below the Worksafe Australia occupational Exposure Standard of 1.0ppm Wood dust will be given off from machining the product, and gas and vapour may be produced from heat processing. The known health effects from wood dust and formaldehyde are as follows: Wood Dust Dust and splinters may cause irritation of the nose and throat, eyes and skin. Some woods may also be sensitisers, and some people may develop allergic dermatitis or asthma. Inhalation of wood dust may increase the risk of nasal and Para-nasal sinus cancer. Wood dust has been evaluated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as Group 1, carcinogenic to humans. Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde gas and dilute solution of formaldehyde in water are irritating to the nose and throat, eyes and skin. The solutions are also sensitisers and contact dermatitis has been reported. Formaldehyde has been evaluated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as Group 2A, probably carcinogenic to humans. The IARC again evaluated formaldehyde in June 2004 and concluded that “there are adequate data available from humans for an increased risk of nasopharyngeal cancer” and that formaldehyde should now be classifi ed as Group 1, carcinogenic to humans.