chipboard

[john.evans]

I am asking about the chemicals in chipboard.
I have a potential use for chipboard which would require minimum chemical content in case of danger to plant and animal life. What kinds of glue are used? Is it possible to specify a type of chipboard with minimum or agreed chemical content?

Tahks
John Evans

 

[steeplechase]

I think chipboard used to be made with a urea-formaldehyde glue or sim ilar and the main problem was the emission of formaldehyde which causes irritation, dependent on individual sensitivity, to eyes/nose/throat. The amount of formaldehyde emission seemed quite difficult to predict and did wear off after a time (months or even years!). I am a bit out of date but I think manufacturers have started producing low formaldehyde boards. You may find a manufacturer's web site. Try 'caberboard'. A company called 'cellotex' make boards using similar, but different materials.