As part of the voluntary compliance, all Australian products are labelled “LFE E1”, meaning “Low Formaldehyde Emission” and is part of an international classification for the amount of formaldehyde emission. This form of labelling was introduced after consultation and negotiations with the relevant Trade Union (CFMEU).”
Formaldehyde is a colourless gas with a pungent, irritating odour. It is used in the production of resins that act as glues for wood products. Formaldehyde release is highest in newly manufactured pressed wood products and decreases over time. Breathing formaldehyde vapour can irritate the eyes and nose, which may cause burning, stinging or itching sensations, a sore throat, watery eyes, blocked sinuses, runny nose and sneezing. Formaldehyde has been shown to cause nasal cancers in animals. Some human studies have indicated possible association or links between other cancers and formaldehyde exposure.
The CFMEU’s health and safety coordinator, Mark Kingham, in an articale in 2008, said that American studies have shown the potential for a serious risk with the substance. “In an instance of short term exposure, the potential of risks is minimal, however long term exposure is a possibility here in Australia” he said. “There’s also a long term health effect for ordinary householders, when you think of kitchen cabinets. Tests show that formaldehyde cures our of the product int
o the air for up to 20 years after it has been installed”.
However Mr Kingham added: “There is a voluntary formaldehyde content standard that Australian manufacturers comply with, but imported particle board often contains up to four times the acceptable level”.
Currently there is no legislation on importers declaring the durability and formaldehyde emissions of the panel products which they import.
Most boards used in Australia are E1 as the costs of manufacturing E0 board is greater. At Function & Form all MDF board used is E0 as we feel it is our duty to not only protect our staff from the risks of over exposure to formaldehyde emission but to also protect our clients and their families from these emissions.
All board used is HMR (High Moisture Resistant) as standard.
This doesn’t mean it can be soaked in water but it does mean it won’t swell due to the moisture that is in the air.
Imported board is rarely HMR, increasing adhesive loading to meet HMR requirements adds significant cost. Overseas manufacturers rarely, if ever, will do this. HMR produces a much more durable board and much greater moisture resistance. In the case of a kitchen, the likely life expectancy will be more than double.
Formaldehyde emissions are greatly influenced by the type of adhesive used, HMR will often have increased melamine content and this has the added benefits of improving durability, while reducing formaldehyde emissions.
ABS edging as standard.
1mm or 2mm depending on what is available. This can also be matched to the door colour if requested.
ILVA non yellowing 2 pac polyurethane polish with UV inhibitors used as standard on all man made designer veneers.
Due to the manufacturing process in man made veneers, there is a tendancy for the veneer to turn green/yellow from exposure to sunlight. This is due to the UV rays breaking down the red dye used in the colouring process of man made veneers. This only leaves yellow and blue as the other primary colours creating a green looking veneer.
Function & Form can arrange the stone, corian, laminate, glass, mirror, splashback, stainless steel, zinc, copper, chalk board, white board, pin board, magnetic board, solid timber tops/doors, etc for your cabinetwork.
Imported cabinets are limited in their design options as they only come in modular sizes. If there is a damaged item or an incorrectly supplied component, you may be waiting for weeks, if not months, for a replacement.
All our cabinetwork comes with a 6 year warranty. Most of the hardware we use comes with a lifetime warranty.
Please note that hardware chains and companies that supply-only (and don’t manufacture themselves) don’t have to provide the same security, they only need to offer as little as a one years warranty, if any, and the tradespersons they recommend don’t have to either.
