MDF in Toys

March 20, 2014 by Debra Lynn Dadd

Question from Stacey

Hello Debra,

I am sorting through my children's toys and have found some wooden toys that do seem to contain MDF (now that I know how to recognize it). Some of these toys are at least 4 years old. Supposedly, they still comply with safety standards but would you discard these toys? Or, since I've had them for a couple years, have they outgassed and become safe/acceptable?

I also have a couple wooden plaques/decorative accents in the kids' rooms that I realized are made of MDF. Again, I've had them for about 4 years, so are they safe now, or would you still discard these items made of MDF?

Thanks!

Debra's Answer

First, MDF is medium-density fiberboard, an engineered wood product made by breaking down wood residuals into wood fibers, then combining it with wax and a resin binder, and applying heat and pressure to make boards. It's similar to particleboard in that it contains and outgasses formaldehyde, a carcinogen, but it is denser and stronger.

If you've had these toys for four years, they should be outgassed by now. Setting them out in the sun would help outgas any remainging formaldehyde.

But I wouldn't buy any new toys that contain MDF.