GBlist: "green" cabinetry panel selection

Tom Phillips (tphillip@arb.ca.gov)
Wed, 12 Mar 1997 07:55:32 -0800

Ed May wrote:
My primary concern right now is selecting cabinet box
material. Does anyone know of any recent published comparative test
results on VOC emissions, toxicity, and/or life cycle analysis of panel
products(plywoods, particle boards, MDF, etc.) that are used in
cabinetry? Where would I start research on this topic? I am aware of
several low VOC panel products like Medite II MDF, WheatBoard particle
board, Resincore particle board, and plywoods using exterior grade
glues(phenol formaldehyde instead of urea formaldehyde), but are there
others and how do they compare in a LCA, or for other possible toxic
emissions in manufacture and end use?

Ed: we funded a study by Batelle Columbus on FORMALDEHYDE emissions
from wood products, decorative laminates, permanent press fabrics,
fiberglass insulation, paper, paints, cosmentics, and acid-cured
coatings, and on TDI emissions from various polyurethane products
(foams, cushions, varnishes, caluls/sealants, concrete water st op).
Call our message line at 916.322.8282 (message) & request report #
93-315, Nov. 1996; additional info and possibly journal articles are
available from Tom Kelly at Batelle, 505 King Ave., Columbus OH
43201-2693.

-- 
Thomas J. Phillips                             AIR     {)   FOOD
Air Pollution Research Specialist                      /|\	
CARB/RD, Box 2815, Sacramento, CA 95812        WATER    |    SKIN
916.322.7145/4357 FAX, http://www.arb.ca.gov          _/ \_
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