Formaldehyde: The Facts

• The release of formaldehyde from APA Exterior or Exposure 1 plywood is negligible because only waterproof phenol formaldehyde (phenolic) adhesive is used during manafacture.

• APA Plywood is under the lowest classification for formaldehyde release ie Release Class A (<= 3.5mg/m²h) as defined in BS EN 1084 : Plywood - Formaldehyde release classes determined by the gas analysis method.

• Confusion over the different types of formaldehyde adhesive in use has led to concerns over the possible release of formaldehyde from wood products, and the subsequent health effects.

• Formaldehyde-related problems have been associated with urea formaldehyde adhesives, commonly used in the manufacture of interior plywood such as floor underlay and shelving where high moisture resistance is not required.

• Phenol formaldehyde (phenolic) adhesives do not release significant amounts of formaldehyde.

• The production of phenolic adhesives involves the chemical linking of phenol and formaldehyde to form a new chemical entity that is extremely stable and does not break down again into its constituent parts.

• Tests on 12 mm APA trademarked plywood shows that an average value for formaldehyde release is equivalent to 0.016 parts per million (ppm). This is significantly lower than the Maximum Exposure Limit (MEL) of 2.0 ppm, eight hour weighted average, laid down by the UK Health & Safety Executive.

• And on finished panels, tests confirm that formaldehyde levels are well below the 0.1ppm and that emissions rapidly approach zero as the panel ages.

• All available scientific data indicates that the maximum formaldehyde level associated with phenolic resin bonded wood panel products, even when freshly manufactured, is about the same as background levels present in outdoor air in an urban environment. There does not appear to be any evidence that such low levels cause health problems.