A study on dust emission, particle size distribution and formaldehyde concentration during machining of medium density fibreboard

A study to characterise the quantity, particle size distribution and morpho logy of dust created during the machining of MDF was carried out, Four diff erent types of MDF boards were included in this study, including a 'zero-fo rmaldehyde' board that contains isocyanate-based resin, rather than urea-fo rmaldehyde resin, In addition, natural softwood (pine) and natural hardwood (oak) mere included in the study, for comparison with MDF. The results sho w that in general, the dust generated by machining MDF is comparable in ter ms of particle size distribution and morphology with the dust generated by similarly machining hardwood or softwood. The quantity of dust generated du ring sanding is higher for sanding MDF compared with sanding either hardwoo d or softwood. However, for sawing there is no significant difference betwe en MDF and natural woods, in terms of the quantity of dust generated, Free formaldehyde in the air was less than 0.17 mg m(-3) during machining of the Class B (higher formaldehyde potential) MDF board. There was no measurable isocyanate in the dust generated from the hoards, Crown Copyright (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of British Occupational Hygien e Society. All rights reserved.