Was talking to my workmate today and mentioned that I'd used MDF (medium density fibreboard) for the bed in my van and he immediately recalled seeing two people getting a grilling on site, for cutting up a sheet of MDF in the middle of a workshop. Apparently its on par of danger with asbestos.
After a brief search on the interweb it appears that the bosses fears may not be entirley unfounded. if the interweb is to be believed, they use Urea formaldehyde in the resin they glue it together with. This wonderful substance is great for preserving organic material, and is also apparently carcinogenic.
The immediate problem (like asbestos) comes when you cut/break it releasing fibres into the air. The other problem is that it continually releases formaldehyde as the resin degrades slowly, the whole process is made worse by a hot, enclosed environment (like a hot van)
SOooooo, anyone know of some form of sheeting with great strength/stiffness to weight properties, sorta like MDF but not MDF? (just so you know, they use those same formaldehyde resins to glue plywood together, so thats out too) Or am I just being a wuss?
Chemtrails...... Nibiru is coming......... BLAH
Its no different to having IKEA furniture in your house, or any other sort of furniture or flooring that contains formaldehyde (very common). Apparently if you leave it outside (undercover) for a month or two then it fumes out and your all sweet.
Having said that, I used marine ply in my van because sometimes when the mattress is out I put wet gear straight onto the bed base and I want it to last. Probably a bit overkill though really.
Coming from a joinery background and breathing in tonnes of mdf dust over a 20 year period I have concerns about future repercussions on my own health.
I wouldn't use mdf in a van for moisture reasons as it breaks down over time. As you mentioned though, most plywood has formaldehyde resins in them. Also, many timber species have natural toxins in them.
Imo, you can't beat formply for a good structural panel. If you're worried about the dust - wear a good mask and give the cut edges a coat of paint.
I used plywood made of poplar wood...which is 440kg/m3 a bit over half the weight compared to standard plywood....
Another option is OSB (oriented strand board). Although it is slightly heavier than plywood, it's also stronger therefore a thinner sheet can be used...and it looks cool!
When I did my apprenticeship in wood machining, the only concerns mentioned were with the dust when cutting. There are plenty of caravans with MDF structures and they get stinking hot. There are companies that do draw fit outs in for 4WD vehicles in MDF as well.
As sailhack has mentioned, MDF and other manufactured board are easily damaged by water. Even the waterproof\resistant boards can be damaged as the timber can get still get water in it. The expansion and shrinkage of the wood fibres can crack the glue have similar effect in edges blowing. This will be considerabley less than standard MDF though.
A good coat of paint or varnish will seal the board providing further protection from moisture. This should also prevent any further air getting in or out.
Im still of two minds about what to do with it....
Its already in the van, and It'll certainly do the job structure wise. Im aware its not gonna last as long as other materials with the moisture in the van, but it'll last long enough. Dont know whether to pull it out and paint it, or do away with it all together and put something else in. Like Pel said, a lot of Ikea furniture is made from MDF and its general use is in the house hold...
OSB sounds promising Sail Hack, I'll look into that
I used hardwood ply for the bed base when I fitted out my van. It had no twist in it, which I couldn't say for the other ply. I think I used 19mm, but it was so long ago I can't remember.
It held up very well, whereas I am sure the normal ply would have needed some reinforcement.
I used it recently to make a door for my garage, and it was still in good condition. I doubt MDF would last, just on its vulnerability to water.
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Mines 6mm hardwood form ply, super strong and water proof. 40mm X 40mm Aluminium cross beams, only need 4 as the 6mm ply don't flex..
Plywood shouldn't be such a risk all major caravan and motorhome builders use plywood for their furniture...I find it very hard to believe it would be such a threat.