The problem is not with VOCs, it's with acetic acid. See

http://www.conchologistsofamerica.org/articles/y2002/0209_callomon.asp

Regards,

PC.

Paul Callomon
Collections Manager
Malacology, Invertebrate Paleontology and General Invertebrates
Department of Malacology
Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Parkway, Philadelphia PA 19103-1195, USA
Tel 215-405-5096
Fax 215-299-1170
Secretary, American Malacological Society
On the web at www.malacological.org

>>> John Varner <[log in to unmask]> 6/8/2007 2:48 PM >>>
Out-gassing from cabinet-grade plywood is much less than from particle
board.  Ambient humidity is also a big factor, and if it is
moderate-to-low, and temperature fluctuations are minimal, there is less
of an issue.  I have had glossy shells (e.g.: Cyp.s) in solvent-based
urethaned plywood cabinets for decades w/ no ill effects.  Some of the
academic data on outgassing relates more to how volatile organic
compounds affect people w/ allergies or chemical sensitivities.  I
suspect moist, living mucosa and the immune system are orders of
magnitude more sensitive to VOC's than dry calcium carbonate shells.
Water based urethanes are less durable than solvent based with regard
to water exposure.  If there is a chance that water will contact the
surface (from drips, or condensation from cold glasses, etc.), it is a
factor to consider.
- John Varner
Amherst, MA
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: Andrew Grebneff<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
  To: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
  Sent: Friday, June 08, 2007 1:53 AM
  Subject: Re: Cabinets and stains


  > The safest paint/stains to use are ones that are water based. I
would
  > still allow the cabinets to air out for several weeks after
painting
  > them.
  > This will get rid of most of the volatile organic compounds.


  Some professionals have used polyurethane varnish on particleboard
(which
  releases formic acid vapor) cabinets with good results. I have tried
this
  myself and still had problems with Byne's disease.


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