Hardboard and Formaldehyde
Building Materials Debra Lynn Dadd Building Materials Debra Lynn Dadd

Hardboard and Formaldehyde

I was wondering whether hardboard contains any formaldehyde. I’m fixing an old wood dresser and the bottom of the draws are hardboard/pressed wood that urgently need to be replaced and I want a replacement that will not off gas anything toxic. Should I seal it? 

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Burning Old Particleboard
Building Materials Debra Lynn Dadd Building Materials Debra Lynn Dadd

Burning Old Particleboard

I do green cleaning at a home where they are remodeling one bedroom. They've torn up the particle board that was under the rug they also tore up. They are doing oak flooring. The homeowner mentioned to his little boy about have a big fire to burn the old particle board. I spoke with him after about the old p. board outgassing toxins, like formaldehyde and the glue that was holding the wood pieces together.

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Marvin Fiberglass Windows
Building Materials Debra Lynn Dadd Building Materials Debra Lynn Dadd

Marvin Fiberglass Windows

I purchased several Marvin Fiberglass windows and had them installed two and one-half weeks ago. Right after installation we smelled a strong acrylic odor throughout the house, which has only abated a little bit.  After two weeks of research I discovered that the fiberglass is actually coated with something called "acrylic capstock". I have searched everywhere and cannot find out how harmful this odor is and when it will stop outgassing. 

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Marmoleum Flooring
Building Materials Debra Lynn Dadd Building Materials Debra Lynn Dadd

Marmoleum Flooring

I work in a medical office and they have to redo the flooring. Fortunately i am away for 2 weeks while this is being done. I did a little research and found that Marmoleum a type of linoleum is non-toxic. I am a little scared that even after 2 weeks the rooms will still smell like linseed oil and that I will react to it.

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Particleboard or Pressboard—Will They Fully Off-Gas?
Building Materials Debra Lynn Dadd Building Materials Debra Lynn Dadd

Particleboard or Pressboard—Will They Fully Off-Gas?

We're remodeling my house, and my husband put some "sound board" on the studs under the dry wall to help with sound reduction. this "sound board" smells HORRIFFIC! it seems very similar to particleboard or pressboard. we're hoping that placing the dry wall over it, would essentially seal it, so the smell/toxicity cannot come out. however, not sure if that theory will work. or, are considering getting rid of the sound board all together. 

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Green Bathtubs
Bedding and Bath, Building Materials Debra Lynn Dadd Bedding and Bath, Building Materials Debra Lynn Dadd

Green Bathtubs

I am looking for an airjet tub that would be safe. One company [name deleted] said that their urethane tubs are the only green product around. My HVAC guy says that 100% acrylic tubs are inert. However, as far as I can see, the acrylic tubs have a fiberglass and resin shell which is where the problem mostly lies. Any info? 

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