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Is it safe to use MDF? A HSE spokeswoman stated that ‘at present there is no evidence to suggest it (MDF) poses a risk and can be compared to other risks like asbestos’.
However, despite these assessments of MDF and health risks, it is still shrouded in controversy. Therefore, it is advised that anyone using MDF follows these guidelines:
•Try to use an alternative to MDF - some manufacturers sell low formaldehyde or zero formaldehyde emission boards
•If there is no alternative, try to ensure following: -Always use a protective face mask and eye wear when sawing or sanding MDF board -Only saw outside or in a well ventilated room -Wear gloves to avoid formaldehyde coming into contact with skin Compensation claims Accident Compensation People (www.accident-compensation-people-uk.co.uk), who specialise in compensation claims for people affected by airborne cancers, say it’s too early to speculate about possibility of compensation claims against manufacturers, or employers who fail to protect their staff from dangers of MDF.
James Williams, Technical Claims Manager at Accident Compensation People said:
“Nasal cancer has been associated with hard wood dusts for sometime. Many years ago English furniture makers showed an increased incidence of this type of cancer. There does also seem to be a growing concern about soft-wood dust, especially MDF”.
The hazards of MDF dust are quite startling and any further developments will have to be monitored closely to see if it is ‘the asbestos of nineties’.
Deborah Hughes deborah@accident-compensation-people-uk.co.uk 0800 781 7789
Note to editors www.accident-compensation-people-uk.co.uk provides a cost-free service for people seeking compensation following exposure to industrial dusts such as asbestos. We work under a no cost, no win, no fee policy which mean our customers don’t pay a penny and keep 100% compensation.