Formaldehyde

Today I have been continuing with my work on Marc's Den. This has involved considerable use of MDF, so beloved of make over shows on TV. Before I embarked on this project, a few people advised me to make sure I cut the MDF outside while wearing a mask. Today it was raining, and the face masks I had stashed away have gone rotten. So I had to be daring. I cut the MDF in the kitchen, without a face mask. Or a hanky over my mouth or anything.

Caring nothing for my own safety or not, I thought I ought to check (having already completed my cutting) what the health and safety risks actually are of working with MDF without the use of breathing apparatus of some sort. A quick Google later and all was revealed. MDF contains formaldehyde, which, if you breath it in can give you a bit of a dry throat, and maybe a touch of a blocked nose. Much like sawdust itself really - which if it contains hard woods can be carcinogenic (like most of the real world...)

On balance, I actually think the whole process was probably good for me. For several hours I was working away cutting and drilling, during which time I was not chain smoking, didn't have any cups of coffee (apparently it gives you heart disease) and also avoided alcohol! Sounds like the health equivalent of a bargain to me...