Re: MDF Off-gassing


RicodJour wrote:
Phisherman wrote:
On 29 Apr 2006 08:58:53 -0700, "Christy" <christybowles@xxxxxxxxx>
wrote:

Hi, can anyone talk to the issues of the off-gassing of MDF? A
contractor brought it to my attention that the MDF doors I want to
purchase will off-gas. Ok, but I was also told that nearly everything
off-gasses including the carpet you install, foam matresses etc. I can
not find any information on what off-gassing will do to you, only that
MDF does.
My question's are:
- won't it be sealed once you paint it?

No.

Well, that's kind of a blanket statement and assumes that all
paint/coatings would be similarly ineffective.

An epoxy paint would certainly seal the door and prevent outgassing,
but it's probably not warranted.

I'm less than certain that it woudld stop the outgassing but quite
confident that it would reduce the rate dramatically, which as you
explain below, should be quite sufficent. Diffusion though solids
is a poorly understood, but well-documetned phenomenum.

It's unrealistic to try to achieve
perfect sealing of the doors when, as the OP noted, there are so many
other things that are larger and more of a concern.

In terms of outgassing organics these would include all plastics
and most wood finishes, glues, cleaning agents, and maybe even
wood itself. If you can smell wood, it's outgassing _something_.


You're really just looking to slow down the outgassing to a minimal
level with a reasonable amount of effort and expense. That's why I
suggested a vapor barrier paint. There are other coatings that would
suffice.

Yes. That way the normal exchange of air between the house and the
outdoors will keep the concentrations to a bare minimum, almost
certainly well-below any level of concern.

--

FF

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: MDF Off-gassing
    ... contractor brought it to my attention that the MDF doors I want to ... purchase will off-gas. ... An epoxy paint would certainly seal the door and prevent outgassing, ... perfect sealing of the doors when, as the OP noted, there are so many ...
    (rec.woodworking)
  • Re: MDF Off-gassing
    ... purchase will off-gas. ... MDF does. ... much of the gas is formaldehyde which is not healthy. ... or individuals with a weakened immunity, put the doors in the garage ...
    (rec.woodworking)