Substitution of formaldehyde by starch in adhesives used in the manufacture of wood particle boards

Type of measure: Substitution

Adhesives used in the manufacture of wood particle boards (chipboard) contain, among other hazardous chemicals, formaldehyde (carcinogen and sensitizer). Employees are exposed to high concentrations of formaldehyde during the manufacture of wood particle boards.

The union’s (CCOO) regional health and safety department in Galicia, Spain, put forward an initiative for the substitution of formaldehyde with starch.

More information

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Published July 26, 2023

Please note that this substance or some of it's compounds are listed in Annex XIV (REACH regulation). This substance some of it's compounds are only allowed to be used, imported, or brought into the market, if authorisation requirements of REACH are fulfilled.

Please be aware that for this carcinogen you need to be more cautious when determining potential skin contact and how to regard dermal exposure in your risk reduction strategy.

Relevance

Carcinogens involved:
Formaldehyde

Sector(s) involved:
Manufacturing
Manufacture of wood and of products of wood and cork
Manufacture of wood and of products of wood and cork, except furniture; manufacture of articles of straw and plaiting materials

About this case

Company:

Collak

Country:
Spain

For more information please contact:

SUBSPORTplus Team

[email protected]

General facts

Facts about cancer-causing agents:

The direct costs of carcinogen exposure at work across Europe are estimated at 2.4 billion Euros per year.
Every year, about 120.000 persons get cancer from exposure to carcinogens at work
Annually more than 100.000 people die because of work-related cancer.