Formaldehyde-free alternatives. Cabinets, and particularly their interior boxes, are commonly constructed of particleboard, fiberboard or plywood — all of which are often made with added urea formaldehyde binders or glues, which release fumes.
Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. A recent U.S. Congress bill requires that formadehyde emissions in these substrates be reduced to safer levels by 2013. Until then, err on the safe side with formaldehyde-free and low-VOC alternatives, including FSC-certified plywood, bamboo plywood and agrifiber boards, which make smart use of agricultural by-products, an annually renewable resource. Formaldehyde-free cabinets can be stylish, as this kitchen demonstrates.