Formaldehyde is used in the manufacturing process of particle boards and can be present in furniture/cabinets containing those particle boards. The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) is calling for the Federal Government to start an urgent large-scale investigation into the use of formaldehyde in household products. Some OH&S practitioners believe that formaldehyde is as dangerous as asbestos, and should be subject to stringent laws.

The CFMEU's National Health and Safety Coordinator, Martin Kingham, says union members are exposed to the potentially carcinogenic substance in their daily work and the health concerns extend to householders as well. Mr Kingham says union workers have reported a range of detrimental health effects from short-term exposure including asthma, breathing difficulties, skin irritations, severe eczema and dizziness. He says American studies have shown a serious cancer risk associated with the substance.

(SAFETY ALERT FROM THE CFMEU – 29/04/2008)

When working with woods containing formaldehyde, Safetyquip recommends the use of correctly fitted good quality half mask respirators with specific “formaldehyde rated” charcoal cartridges and P2 filters.  Body protection would include disposable overalls.  Hand protection should be the non-reactive nitrile disposable type gloves or at the very least, nitrile coated or leather work gloves.  Latex gloves can cause allergic reactions in some individuals and therefore are not recommended for susceptible people.