Urea-Formaldehyde (UF) Bonded Wood Products

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

Emergency Overview CAUTION! Sawing, sanding or machining wood products may produce wood dust, which cause a fire and explosion hazard. Wood dust may cause irritation to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Prolonged overexposure to wood dust may cause nasal cancer. Repeated exposure to certain types of wood dust (such as western red cedar) may cause allergic skin and respiratory reaction (sensitization). These products may release small quantities of formaldehyde in gaseous form. Emissions decrease through time as the board ages. Exposure to formaldehyde gas may cause eye, skin and respiratory irritation and may cause allergic sensitization in some individuals. Prolonged exposure to formaldehyde may cause nasal cancer. Description: Boards manufactured from wood particles, fibers, wood piles, wood veneers and other products bonded to wood face veneers using urea-formaldehyde resin. Applies to All Ingredients

Potential health effects

Eye Contact Wood dust can cause mechanical irritation. Formaldehyde gas may cause eye irritation. Skin Contact Both formaldehyde and some species of wood dust may evoke allergic contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals. If an allergy pre-exists or develops, it may be necessary to remove the sensitized worker from further exposure to wood dust or wood-based products. Inhalation Wood dust may cause nasal dryness, irritation, coughing and sinusitis. Repeated exposures to certain types of wood dust (such as western red cedar) can produce allergic responses in some individuals. If an allergy pre-exists or develops, it may be necessary to remove the sensitized worker from further exposure to wood dust or wood-based products. Prolonged overexposure to wood dust is associated with an increased risk of cancer of the nasal cavity. Exposure to formaldehyde gas may cause eye, mucous membrane and respiratory tract irritation. Repeated exposures may cause allergic skin and respiratory sensitization (asthma) in some individuals. Ingestion: Target Organs Not applicable under normal conditions of use. Eye, Skin and Respiratory Tract. Aggravation of Pre-Existing Wood dust and formaldehyde exposure may aggravate pre-existing skin, Conditions eye, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders.

HMIS® ratings

Health 1* Fire 1 Reactivity 0 Hazard Scale: 0 = Minimal, 1 = Slight, 2 = Moderate, 3 = Serious, 4 = Severe, * =Chronic Health Hazard To Top of page 3