Rob Markoff
PFG, Picture Framing God
I received an updated MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) from ALCAN Composites, the new makers of Gatorfoam and GatorLite.
As I suspected, Gatorfoam and GatorLite both contain formaldehyde.
HIGHLIGHTS from the MSDS:
Section I Product Information
Product Description:
Styrene foam sheet laminated with white, tan black or other coloerd kraft process cellulose paper.
Section II Hazardous Components
Formaldehyde (50-00-0)
Product contains condensed urea-formaldehyde based polymetric resin which is classified as a nonhazardous component when polymerized.
Ventilation and Engineering Controls
General ventilation is normally sufficient unless the product is subject to hot and humid conditions. If the environment is hot or humid, local exhaust ventilation may be the most effective means of controlling formaldehyde build-up.
Respiratory Protection:
A full-face respirator may be needed for excessively sensitive individual to control upper respiratory tract irritation from formaldehyde gas.
Section X - Regulatory Information
Additional requirements for the State of California:
Warning: Decorative laminated products contain formaldehyde, a substance known to the State of California to cause canceer. Laminates contain small amounts of residual formaldehyde that may be released in measurable quantities when stored in bulk quantities.
Section VII - Toxicity Data
Carcinogenicity:
No tests have been conducted on the product as a whole. Formaldehyde is classified by ACGIH as a suspected human carcinogen (Class A2) of the lung, nasopharnyx, oropharynx and nasal passages when exposure limits are exceeded. EPA, OSHA and NIOH consider formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen. Young children and the elderly may be more at risk in the presence of formaldehyde emmissions. Those persons with a history of allergies, asthma or lung problems may also be at greater risk from formaldehyde emmissions. Formaldehyde is known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm NTP -- Class 2 carcinogen, IARC-- Class 2A.
Section V - Reactivity Data
Conditions to Avoid:
Heat and moisture can result in an increased rate of formaldehyde off-gassing from the product.
Section VI - Health Hazard Information
Effects of Overexposure:
Inhalation: Exposures of 1 ppm and above of free formaldehyde gas may cause upper respiratory tract irritation. Irritation is reversible when exposure is terminated. Hypersensitive individuals may experience symptoms at concentrations below 1 ppm.
To all of my fellow framers:
You need to have a "right to know" notebook in your shop and all employees need to know that it exists and have free access to it. You need to have an MSDS for almost EVERYTHING you have in your shop. In fact, Larson Juhl is the only vendor I know that sent me an MSDS for WOOD DUST that may be generated when working with their mouldings!
I am concerned that there was speculation on this board that there was no formaldehyde in Gator products.
All manufacturers must tell you what is in their products that may be potentially hazardous. They may list the ingredients as "proprietary" and not give the specific formula, but they must say if there is nasty stuff in there, how to protect yourself from it and what to do if you don't.
As I suspected, Gatorfoam and GatorLite both contain formaldehyde.
HIGHLIGHTS from the MSDS:
Section I Product Information
Product Description:
Styrene foam sheet laminated with white, tan black or other coloerd kraft process cellulose paper.
Section II Hazardous Components
Formaldehyde (50-00-0)
Product contains condensed urea-formaldehyde based polymetric resin which is classified as a nonhazardous component when polymerized.
Ventilation and Engineering Controls
General ventilation is normally sufficient unless the product is subject to hot and humid conditions. If the environment is hot or humid, local exhaust ventilation may be the most effective means of controlling formaldehyde build-up.
Respiratory Protection:
A full-face respirator may be needed for excessively sensitive individual to control upper respiratory tract irritation from formaldehyde gas.
Section X - Regulatory Information
Additional requirements for the State of California:
Warning: Decorative laminated products contain formaldehyde, a substance known to the State of California to cause canceer. Laminates contain small amounts of residual formaldehyde that may be released in measurable quantities when stored in bulk quantities.
Section VII - Toxicity Data
Carcinogenicity:
No tests have been conducted on the product as a whole. Formaldehyde is classified by ACGIH as a suspected human carcinogen (Class A2) of the lung, nasopharnyx, oropharynx and nasal passages when exposure limits are exceeded. EPA, OSHA and NIOH consider formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen. Young children and the elderly may be more at risk in the presence of formaldehyde emmissions. Those persons with a history of allergies, asthma or lung problems may also be at greater risk from formaldehyde emmissions. Formaldehyde is known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm NTP -- Class 2 carcinogen, IARC-- Class 2A.
Section V - Reactivity Data
Conditions to Avoid:
Heat and moisture can result in an increased rate of formaldehyde off-gassing from the product.
Section VI - Health Hazard Information
Effects of Overexposure:
Inhalation: Exposures of 1 ppm and above of free formaldehyde gas may cause upper respiratory tract irritation. Irritation is reversible when exposure is terminated. Hypersensitive individuals may experience symptoms at concentrations below 1 ppm.
To all of my fellow framers:
You need to have a "right to know" notebook in your shop and all employees need to know that it exists and have free access to it. You need to have an MSDS for almost EVERYTHING you have in your shop. In fact, Larson Juhl is the only vendor I know that sent me an MSDS for WOOD DUST that may be generated when working with their mouldings!
I am concerned that there was speculation on this board that there was no formaldehyde in Gator products.
All manufacturers must tell you what is in their products that may be potentially hazardous. They may list the ingredients as "proprietary" and not give the specific formula, but they must say if there is nasty stuff in there, how to protect yourself from it and what to do if you don't.
