wood-based material

Here you will find frequently asked questions and answers about the test procedure for formaldehyde emissions from wood-based materials which came into force on 01.01.2020. The information is mainly intended for companies and institutions that manufacture, process, sell, transport, store, export or import wood-based materials or furniture or which test such products for formaldehyde emissions.

Even today, harmful formaldehyde from wood-based materials and other products is still offgassing into indoor air. Low-emission products are now more important than ever, as, for energy-conservation reasons, new and renovated buildings are more air-tight now than they used to be. The German Environment Agency (UBA) has achieved, that the test conditions have been adapted to the state of the art.

Wood-based materials and consequently also furniture and building products made from them may contain formaldehyde as an adhesive component. Formaldehyde is considered to be carcinogenic. We answer the most important questions from the perspective of indoor hygiene.

Wood and wood-based materials are environmentally friendly and sustainable, provided the wood is sourced and processed appropriately. Some of their emissions can be problematic. The Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) researched the emissions behaviour of pine wood and derived particle board products.