Formaldehyde

[Guest guest]

Quack:

I believe that heating does more than just: surface removal. This said, we are discussing wood products that are manufactured with aldehyde-based adhesives, and as these adhesives age, and if there are periods of elevated moisture (be it humidity or liquid water), some of the solid aldehydes will hydrolyze and generate more volatile formaldehyde; even though the heating baked-out what may have been readily present and volatile at the time; on the surface and within. In this instance, you have a material that continues to produce a volatile chemical via chemical reactions, albeit, at a slower rate than when new. Heating does accelerate the aging process. And you are correct, heating can reduce but not eliminate volatile formaldehyde. The only way to truly eliminate any and all formaldehyde, is to eliminate/remove any and all potential sources of the chemical. This means removing all products that contain substances which could release formaldehyde – either demolish and remove, or go/live elsewhere. Unfortunately, so many household products made today contain chip-board, veneers, particle board, fiberboard, etc., it may be difficult to get away from all aldehyde-based adhesives. I know of alternative adhesives, but they also come with problems and/or limitations. Nothing is perfect. Why aldehyde-based adhesives?.....Many are water-proof, they are very durable and last a long time, they are compatible with many porous cellulose-based materials, they are toxic to bugs and microbes that like to eat cellulose-based materials. All of these are favorable attributes, albeit, formaldehyde VOCs are not.

Regarding dried materials having an enhanced ability to absorb odors......Yes and No. I do not believe dry wood has much capacity to absorb odors, but dry gypsum wall board sure does......at least before it is painted.

For what it is worth.....

,

That is what I was saying, that driving off the surface vapors with

heat would cause a reduction in smellables at normal temperatures, at

least for a while. But I would not expect it to last. The reason that

I think it will be temporary is mostly based on what I have read about

formaldehyde and fiberboard, that oven drying reduces but can not

eliminate the problem, it just drys the stuff on the surface.

Also, I'd expect recently, somewhat abnormally dried out things to

also absorb odors much more readily.. you know what I mean?