SierraPine Thin MDF

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: The product may release small quantities of formaldehyde in gaseous form. Emissions decrease through time as the panels age. Manual or mechanical cutting or abrasion processes performed on the product can result in generation of wood dust.

Potential health effects

ACUTE INHALATION: Gaseous formaldehyde may cause temporary irritation to nose and throat. Some reports suggest that formaldehyde may cause respiratory sensitization, such as asthma, and that pre-existing respiratory disorders may be aggravated by exposure. Ligno-cellulosic fibers may cause nasal dryness, irritation and obstruction. Coughing, wheezing, sneezing, sinusitis and prolonged colds have also been reported. EYE CONTACT: Gaseous formaldehyde may cause temporary irritation or a burning sensation. Ligno- cellulosic fibers can cause mechanical irritation. SKIN CONTACT: Both formaldehyde and various species of ligno-cellulosic fibers may evoke allergic contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals. INGESTION: Not likely to occur. CHRONIC International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has listed formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) includes formaldehyde in its Annual Report on carcinogens.

HMIS® ratings

is based primarily on IARC’s evaluation of increased risk in the occurrence of adenocarcinomas of the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses associated with exposure to wood dust. IARC did not find sufficient evidence to associate cancers of the oropharynx, hypopharynx, lung, lymphatic and hematopoietic systems, stomach, colon or rectum with exposure to wood dust. The NTP includes wood dust as a known human carcinogen in its Tenth Report on Carcinogens dated November, 2002.