Avoid formaldehyde emissions from particle boards?

[crille1]

Recently moved into a new apartment where the sleeping loft consists only of particleboard (except for the beams). I didn't think much about it during the viewing, but now I've realized this is serious. I had significant discomfort the first night, my lungs felt bad, and I was sluggish. There's no doubt it's because of the formaldehyde....

Now I need to do something about it immediately, otherwise, I'll be sick 24/7. (in the meantime, I'll sleep on a mattress on the floor)

Would it be enough to lay a decent plastic mat on top and paint the boards underneath? Or will the gas still seep through?
What should I do?!
I'm grateful for any tips!

By the way, the ventilation is good but it doesn't help against these emissions. I also have quite a few plants that should improve the air. It's worth mentioning that I'm quite sensitive as well.

 

[Pon]

Paint around in that case and choose a blocking primer. The cost might balance out with switching to boards without formaldehyde :-/

 

[Avemo]

I have heard warnings against painting on chipboard because they absorb so much that they emit gases from the paint for a long time afterward. If you are sure that it is the chipboard causing the issues, I think you should tear them out.

Erik

 

[ClasseClas]

From Byggelit's website: http://www.byggelit.se/news/15.php

Do particle boards contain a lot of formaldehyde, is it dangerous?
It is unfortunately a widespread misconception that particle boards (emit) emit large amounts of formaldehyde. Some people are also unaware that formaldehyde is a very common substance that is present in small amounts everywhere in the open air. Formaldehyde is found in varying amounts in, for example, natural wood, fabrics, paints, fruits, soaps, shampoos, glue, adhesives, paper, etc. Tobacco smoke releases large amounts of formaldehyde; in fact, this substance is practically present in our entire environment.

Particle boards are among the most controlled products in this regard. The truth is that the low emission value that the Swedish Chemicals Agency requires for the Swedish market is 0.13 mg per m3 of indoor air. Byggelit's production is under continuous control through an agreement with the Swedish Testing and Research Institute, SP, regarding formaldehyde content and emission.

To ensure that our products always meet the lowest values, we consistently maintain complete production control. The average emission from Byggelit's particle boards is significantly lower than the permitted limit value and is close to what ordinary untreated natural wood emits. Byggelit's particle boards are SVANMÄRKTA.

 

[crille1]

Pon: Do you have any tips on a healthy base color?

Averno: I'm not entirely sure if it's the particle boards emitting the gases, but what else could it be? There's a slightly pungent smell in the room, and it's coming from the particle boards. This smell irritates me a lot...
Where have you heard about this by the way? I'd like to know more about it.

ClasseClas: What are you trying to say with that? That I should buy Byggelit's particle boards? The boards I have now, I have no idea about, except that they're maybe 15 years old. They smell bad anyway.

 

[ClasseClas]

Pon: Do you have any tips for a healthy foundation color?

Averno: I'm not entirely sure if it's the particle boards that are releasing the gases, but what else could it be? There's a slightly pungent smell in the room, and it comes from the particle boards. This smell irritates me a lot...
Where did you hear about this by the way? I would like to know more about it.

ClasseClas: What are you trying to say with that? That I should buy Byggelit's particle boards? The boards I have now I have no idea about, except that they might be 15 years old. They smell bad anyway.

Well, it might be something other than formaldehyde that's the problem. Replace the particle boards with new ones or build/buy a new bed.

 

[joflopp]

I have heard it advised against painting on chipboard because they absorb so much that they emit gases from the paint for a long time afterwards. If you are sure that it's the chipboards causing the problems, I think you should tear them out.

Erik

Source?

I have a hard time seeing how water-based paint that has cured can emit gases just because it's painted on chipboard. What kind of gases, by the way?

 

[ArneTW]

If the particle boards are 15 years old, most of the formaldehyde has probably evaporated by now. I think one should look for other causes of the discomfort or, as suggested, paint the boards with some paint according to the idea "it doesn't hurt and it looks nice."

/ATW

 

[crille1]

classeclas: The bed is definitely not it since I've had it before and it’s quite new. It smells like chipboard/wood/formaldehyde (not sure exactly what, but something slightly pungent) throughout the whole apartment, and that's what I'm reacting to.

joflopp: Water-based paint itself does contain (always?) formaldehyde, but it’s supposed to be in small amounts? http://www.google.se/search?q=vatte...s=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

ArneTW: But why do they smell so much then? I'm really bothered by the smell. Isn't formaldehyde and similar gases to blame for the pungent odor? Or do chipboards smell a lot anyway?

Speaking of which, I have a new IKEA dresser that smells somewhat similar, chipboard of course. After I've had clothes in this dresser, they smell strongly, very irritating. Can you eliminate the odor by lacquering the inside of the dresser where the chipboards are "bare"?

 

[Avemo]

Source?

I find it hard to see how waterborne paint that has cured could emit gases just because it is painted on chipboards. By the way, what gases are we talking about?

I don't have a source that I remember. Hence the wording "I have heard." Anyone who knows better is welcome to correct me. The reasoning that I read somewhere was that the paint soaks into the chipboard and takes a very long time to cure. During the time it cures, it emits more formaldehyde than the chipboard itself does. Therefore, I found the solution of painting the chipboard to avoid toxins questionable.

As I see it, not all actions need to be scientifically backed. Chipboards are always extremely ugly whether they are painted or not. If you suspect that the chipboards affect your health, there is nothing to lose by tearing them out. As mentioned, they rarely smell good.

Erik

 

[crille1]

Avemo: Do you have any suggestions on what can be used instead of these particleboards? Would new particleboards smell better? They at least have lower levels of formaldehyde...

And yes, the smell bothers me a lot. I'm considering painting with environmentally certified water-based paint and then applying age-resistant plastic type.

 

[malone]

You should ask this question on another forum where they are experts on everything;
Diskantforum.

 

[crille1]

malone: You never know, they are quick to respond there at least. And it's actually not uncommon to talk about everything under the sun there.

 

[malone]

malone: You never know, they are quick to respond there at least. And it is actually not uncommon at all to talk about everything under the sun there.

Yeah, I know.

 

[Pon]

Now I can only speak for Alcro... but Servalack Aqua primer that has dried for 24h before finishing coat is quite blocking, as is their new panel primer (24h drying time), then you have the problem solver Isolera. All should be overpainted with finish paint and painted all around. Isolerar has a coarser texture, so even if it is probably the best, it doesn't look as nice when painted on. All other well-known brands (Nordsjö, HP, Jotun) should have similar options.