Burning Old Particleboard

April 7, 2009, by Debra Lynn Dadd

Question from Reenie

Hi all, 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. He said it should be safe since the wood is so degraded. Does anyone have any suggestions for what research I can locate and share with him about burning particleboard in a residenitial neighborhood. Really I was very surprised since this person works for a state department that deals with haz waste. Allowing his 3 boys being around the fire, exposed to and inhaling this stuff, doesn't seem right. Any comments/suggestions are appreciated! 

Debra's Answer

Here's what the EPA has to say: "Never burn ocean driftwood, plywood, particle board, or any wood with glue on or in it. They all release toxic chemicals when burned."

That said, your homeowner has a point too. If the particleboard is very old and outgassed, it would produce fewer toxic chemicals when burned than new particleboard.

And keep in mind that even untreated plain seasoned firewood produce toxic substances when burned.