Overview:

Low and very low formaldehyde emission, medium density fibreboard (MDF) panel coated with a zero VOC solid powder-coat. Suitable for residential and commercial interior applications.

 

Product Description:

element™ panels are very low VOC and formaldehyde emitting (E0 grade) MDF panels, coated in zero VOC solid based powder-coating by Climate™. Individual particles are heat fused and melted onto the board to create a resilient decorative panel. Standard product is suitable for interior applications including:

Retail - joinery, linings, slatwall

Commercial - furniture/partitioning, linings, demountable walls

Hospitality - linings, joinery, furniture

Residential - kitchen/bathroom cabinetry, wardrobes, storage and shelving.

element™ comes standard on moisture resistant (MR) MDF panels.

The inert, 100% solid powder-coating finish used to create element™ MDF panels contains zero VOCs and only low levels of VOC’s are contained within the MDF panel itself.

E0 grade MDF represents a significant reduction in formaldehyde emissions from E1 grade MDF.

Use of this product may contribute to the achievement of Green Star Credits.  Subscribers click here for full enhanced content listing.

 

 

 

Country of Origin

New Zealand

ecospecifier Issues of Concern / Red Lights

Red Light Comment

Wood dust and formaldehyde are classified as carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Formaldehyde may be released under some conditions, particularly when the boards are heated and laminated, or cut by laser cutting machines. Machining, sawing, drilling, routing, laser cutting or sanding produces wood dust.

Even though urea formaldehyde level is less than 20% the cured board emits less than 0.015% of free formaldehyde by weight as tested to AS/NZS 4266.15 standard, meeting World Health Organisation Standard and Worksafe Australia occupational Exposure Standard at E1, it is not considered to be of significant risk.

Precautions should be taken when working with the product.  Please see the below link for further details: Element Specification Manual Health and Safety section, or refer to product MSDS.

Issue of Concern

2-phenyl-2-imidazoline can be harmful if swallowed (R22) and cause serious eye damage (R41). However as this is in small concentration and is bound into the powder coating, it is not considered to be of significant risk.

Exposure to melamine formaldehyde at an occupational level can cause sensitisation by skin contact. It is also harmful to aquatic organisms (R52/53). Product contains small amounts of this substance and, given it is bound in the product and has low formaldehyde emissions this is unlikely to be of any consequence during use stage and is easily managed by appropriate OH&S precautions.

Assessment Comparison

Standard particleboard

Keywords / Alternatives

MDF, Element™ powder coat finish, VOC, Formaldehyde

Availability:

ACT, NSW, NT, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC, WA, New Zealand

Other information:

Information last verified on 02/02/10.

Assessment Criteria Satisfied

HABITAT & LAND

Reduced terrestrial impact

RESOURCE DEPLETION & EFFICIENCY

Post-Industrial recycled content Reuse potential Eco packaging Reduce material use

HUMAN HEALTH

Low/reduced offgassing Reduced toxics or carcinogens

POLLUTION TO ENVIRONMENT

Reduced chemical toxicity through Life Cycle Reduced smog-forming potential

OTHER VITAL SIGNS

Environmental policy Environmental info about product Doc Manuf Claim MSDS Independent Verification

© ecospecifier 2010