History

• In 1941, a commercial plant in Germany first manufactured particle board. Particle board was sought as a replacement for expensive and scarce plywood materials. Originally, manufacturers used wood waste material for particle board. Today, manufacturers are considering the use of landfill products, such as agricultural waste, for particle board.
  
  

Uses

• Particle board is widely used for furniture and toys. Kitchen countertop substrates utilize particle board. Particle board is not as durable as solid wood and requires special fasteners to hold segments in place.
  
  

Health Concerns

• Manufacturers have traditionally used formaldehyde-based resins in the manufacturing process. These resins emit toxic gases long after the manufacturing process. As formaldehyde is a suspected carcinogen, manufacturers are turning to safer and more environmentally friendly resins for their products.