With more people spending the majority of their lives at home indoors, the types of materials used for furniture or cabinetry directly impact our health and comfort levels. Many people associate strength and water resistance with marine plywood; however, they also want to know about its safety in an indoor environment. This article discusses how understanding emissions impact our overall health helps clear up this issue.
Understanding Plywood Emissions
Plywood products are glued together. However, since some adhesives can continue to give off volatile organic compounds (VOCs) after manufacturing, this creates a possible source of indoor air pollutants, which if sufficiently concentrated within an indoor space and can cause many problems such as irritation, discomfort, and other health-related issues. Lower-grade plywood can have the greatest potential for creating indoor pollutants, especially if the product is produced without any type of emissions control.
How Marine Plywood Meets Emission Concerns
Marine plywood has been manufactured with controlled adhesive systems like waterproof phenolic resin which allow for enhanced strength and dimensional stability. If a marine plywood product is manufactured to the correct standard, then the types and levels of VOC emissions that are present are not hazardous.
Moisture Resistance and Health Benefits
The primary, indirect health benefit of using marine plywood is that it does not store moisture like other plywood products do. Damp or wet products create favorable breeding grounds for mold and fungal growth—both of which can trigger allergies and other respiratory problems. Because of the marine grade plywood’s general ability to resist water penetration, marine grade products allow for a significant reduction in the occurrence of any type of mold growth, which contributes to improved indoor air quality especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms.
Indoor Applications for Marine Plywood
Marine-grade plywood is suitable for use as an indoor material in the following applications: kitchens, wardrobes, bathroom vanities, shelving, and wall panels. Marine-grade plywood has an engineered construction providing structural integrity to prevent warping, cracking, or breaking and is moisture resistant, promoting healthy indoor environments when combined with the appropriate finishes, laminates, and/or veneers.
The Importance of Buying Certified Products
The greatest determinant of product safety is the quality of the product purchased. By purchasing certified, high-quality marine-grade plywood, purchasers will find the lowest emissions levels and the highest durability over time, thereby providing the greatest level of safety. Many professional buyers use reliable sources such as Royale Touche Marine Plywood products, which include quality control measures that support safe indoor usage.
See also: Return on Investment (ROI) for Home Solar Systems
Correct Installation and Ventilation
Even the safest material must be installed properly. Proper installation prevents potential emissions issues from being reduced. This includes sealing exposed edges, applying suitable finishes and laminates, and providing adequate ventilation during and after installation.
Conclusion
Marine plywood is safe to use indoors if purchased from a certified source and installed correctly. Its low emissions potential, water resistivity, and durability make it a practical and safe solution for use in modern interiors.
