If want to know for sure if it's formaldehyde gas, Amazon sells formaldehyde testers.

does the unfinished plywood smell? I would smell the finish he is using to see if that is the culprit, every finish has a smell.

I'm very sensitive so I relate to your plight.

If the plywood is no formaldehyde added plywood, it has gmo-soy glues instead. The stains, paints, sealant, and top coat are added, as well as any glues.

There are three paths. One, AFM Safecoat has sealants to trap in formaldehyde and likely would trap in anything else. Two, you can speed up the curing/offgassing with exposure to heat so putting it in a hot garage can help. And last, you can get air purifier with a large activated carbon bed to absorb the offgassing rather than your lungs absorbing the chemicals.

I would make sure the cabinets are cured before they come into your house, and do not stink. What paint brand did the painter use?

@sammy, I have dizzyness, shortness of breath and nausea. I had the air tested and it showed elevated levels of formaldehyde. The kitchen guy has agreed to replace them.

@sloyder, I will confirm what he gave me to take home is unfinished. I think there's a clear coat on it but I believe my issues are caused by formaldehyde in the glue. The cabinets were cured. He used a post cat finish. It's been 7 weeks and I've had the 'paint guy' come out to investigate to make sure it's not the lacquer off gassing. It was a Chemcraft product.

@allie, I will look into this AFM Safecoat. I have tried speeding up the off gassing by heating up the house and adding tons of ventilation. I also have carbon filters.

He has agreed to replace the cabinets but the issue is the 9ft island. NO one wants to remove the 2.5 inch thick quartz on top. I'm hoping maybe we can replace everything and leave the island frame.... then replace the door fronts. Perhaps I can paint the frame with this safecoat.

Chemcraft is a low VOC product, the AFM Sealcoat is a zero VOC product.

Did he use this plywood? https://www.columbiaforestproducts.com/app/uploads/2014/01/CFP041_PureBond_Hardwood_Product_Sheet_Updatedweb.pdf

@sloyder, no he wouldn't have used that plywood as I didn't know anything would effect me. He used a company called http://www.hardwoods-inc.com and in my contract he said he was using "Baltic Birch" plywood.

I took home a new piece of the plywood from his shop yesterday and my head is woozy. My lips are tingly.

He said he would replace the cabinets.... I'm just wondering if that will be enough to lower to total formaldehyde load and we can keep the island in tact. There's plumbing and electrical in there... not to mention the giant slab of quartz :(

Yes I think it is regular Baltic Birch. But it says it's CARB2 certified so it should be ok? Any idea how long until this offgasses out?

Guess you have to identify the culprit, is it the wood or the finish. To test the finish I would have him paint a sample on solid wood if that is OK, then you know it is the plywood.

You may want to ask him to use the AFM Safecoat sealer on all plywood before he assembles the cabinets. That is always an option. Pure Bond is one of the major companies using a non-formaldehyde glue between the plywood layers, but instead GMO soy glue is used. Because I am hyper-sensitive, I consider that trading one problem for another.

However, large areas (like your island) probably cannot be recreated without plywood. Instead of moving the quartz (which would also void your warranty), I would suggest buying the safecoat sealer and having someone with a sprayer coat it, inside and out.

I will say your concerns are completely valid. Most people aren't as sensitive as us, and while they don't have our reactions, they are still exposed to these harmful chemicals that are linked to many cancers, autoimmune conditions, and other medical miladies. The "green" cabinets I read about are "greenwashed" as to their health and safety where recycling, wind/solar powered, etc are championed and chemical impacts are minimized or omitted.

The AFM Safecoat tech team has helped me with several of my projects, answering a variety of questions I had about how to use for a specific situation, best practices, would it work for xyz, etc.

I have tried speeding up the off gassing by heating up the house and adding tons of ventilation. I also have carbon filters.

Heating up your house to speed up the process is actually making the situation worse. And while using air filters certainly won’t hurt anything, it’s not necessarily helping anything either.

Recommended reading: Formaldehyde in Your Home: What you need to know

Sammy, I believe the OP is trying to hurry the offgassing process along. Yes, it's making it worse in the short-term, but then the leftover formaldehyde would be less.

Lisa, if the cabinetmaker is replacing the cabinets, you may want the existing ones removed rather than trying to increase/accelerate offgassing. For the island, use a sealant rather than increasing offgassing. Just be careful about the product for sealing. This is an area that there's a lot of claims that aren't as good as they seem. Stay away from big box stores for a sealer.

One thing that I've found in my research is that a 0 VOC or low VOC product can flare me because a non-VOC chemical was used that is still harmful to humans. When our hvac ductwork was sealed, they offered a regular mastic option or a low VOC. I chose the low VOC. It had ammonia in it which drove me from my home for a few hours (luckily, it evaporated relatively quickly). VOCs have to do with smog, while HAP has to do with health.

https://www.afmsafecoat.com/tips

https://www.afmsafecoat.com/products/stains-sealers/safecoat-safe-seal

I suggest you have your cabinetmaker use a sample of Safecoat Safe Seal on a piece of plywood and then take it into an enclosed room like a bathroom. See if you react. If it makes things better, have them come and spray that over all of your existing cabinets at your home. Uppers can easily be uninstalled and sprayed outside. Lowers/island can have the floor and countertops covered and be sprayed.

@allie What do you mean by this "Pure Bond is one of the major companies using a non-formaldehyde glue between the plywood layers, but instead GMO soy glue is used. Because I am hyper-sensitive, I consider that trading one problem for another."

He has offered to replace my cabinets using this product and solid wood fronts. Do you think I'd have a reaction to the soy based glue?

I'll be asking him about the sealant as well.

@sloyder, it's definitely the plywood. I went to the plywood supplier warehouse today and he took me on a tour . Sure enough I started to feel the exact same way as I do in my house.... I was surrounded by thousands of sheets of plywood.

He sent me home with some samples to see what I react to. But the baltic birch seems to be the culprit. I am going to see how I respond to the PureBond as well.

I agree that Pure Bond does trade one problem for another. My cabinetmaker made the cabinets out of only solid wood. But it's difficult to find any carpenter or cabinetmaker who acknowledges that plywood isn't the answer to everything (which is certainly better than chipboard, fiberboard, or such but to-mAt-o, to-mat-o).

It's difficult to know what one person will react to vs another one considering the soy-based glue. Even AFM Safecoat has a Naturals line that is soy-based. But I'm not a fan, personally and being female. I prefer AFM's standard line.

If he is willing to coat the existing cabinets in the Safe Seal, AFM has evidence that it will contain the formaldehyde. But I'm not sure if you use the Pure Bond, whether the AFM will contain the soy glue. Soy and other legumes have chemicals in their natural structures that are erosive. My husband had a summer job as a teenager in a chickpea farm. The beans literally ate through multiple pairs of heavy-duty leather boots.

I feel your plight, and as frustrating as this is, know that you aren't alone.

An investment into an air purifier may help your air quality & hopefully help you feel better. on nice days open the windows and get a fan that pushes outside air in & on the opposite side of room a fan that sucks air out.

Hope that helps

@allie out of curiousity what type of wood are your cabinets made of? He will do the doors in solid wood but I'm thinking of having him do the boxes /drawers out of the Pure Bond instead of the Baltic Birch.... I don't seem to smell /react to the sample of Pure Bond I have..... is melamine any better? If he did the drawers in wood what wood would that likely be?

@artistsharonva, I have purchased 3 carbon/voc air filters, 2 fans, 1 dehumidifier as well as using negative pressure to suck out the air.... I bought 2 Austin Airs, a Conway and my gilfriend lent me her IQ Air.... it's been 7 weeks and I still want to die.

My cabinets were here when I moved in and had offgassed for 11 years before I arrived.

However, I am adding cabinets above my uppers that go to the ceiling. Those are solid maple boxes and have maple or poplar boards across the back. There is a small gap (looks kind of tongue in groove) in the sketch that my cabinetmaker provided to me.

Melamine is much worse as it is akin to plastic. When it gets heated (like in a kitchen) it smells plasticky. Melamine bowls, for example, can't go into the microwave or the bottom of the dishwasher (some can't even go on the top shelf).

Everyone's sensitivities are very individual. If you aren't reacting to the Pure Bond, use that. The only reason I was cautious about Pure Bond was because of the GMO soy glue, but that is because of an estrogen related health condition. I'm not sure if the soy glue would offgas quickly, slowly, or would absorb to the touch through the wood, but because of my personal sensitivities, I opted for solid wood only. (The term "hardwood" can include plywood so that's why I reference solid wood specifically.)

Trust your instincts. Pure Bond is going to work for many people. The AFM Safecoat Safe Seal was mainly a solution to your bottom cabinets, especially your island, since the removal and re-installation of your countertops can void the warranty and risk breaking the slabs.

you could make the drawers out of maple or birch. I would finish the insides with shellac, as that is a natural product which the smell dissipates quickly.

@allie thank you that makes sense. I just don't think I can use the Safecoat b/c it looks like the plywood boxes already have a coating /veneer on top. Only the edges of the shelves are unfinished on the back side.

Thanks @sloyder. I will ask him to make the drawers out of either wood with shellac or the Pure Bond.

Aww crap!! In doing some more digging with the hardwood supplier it looks like the base cabinets might actually be from China. The "drawers" are Baltic Birch.

But I think this is what the cabinets are made of :

http://www.hardwoods-inc.com/sites/default/files/documents/products/dragon_ply_brochure_canada.pdf

Oh no! I can't find a msds or a sds on Dragon Ply.

As for the Shellac, I used clear shellac on one project with no problem. But I used clear sanding shellac on another. The msds didn't match the ingredients on the can, and the can had ketone in it (bad stuff). The shellac, ideally, should just be denatured alcohol and shellac--that's it.

Oh, and shellac as a shelf life that is relatively short so it needs to be "fresh".

https://www.thepurplepaintedlady.com/2014/06/shellac-it-has-a-shelf-life/

I thought off-gassing only happens over a short period of time before tapering off to almost nothing. Why not give it some time? My intent is not to trivialize your issue, I really am curious.

BTW the Austin Air and IQ will do a great job getting rid of VOCs, but but not the Coway. It's carbon filter is just too weak. Humidity and high heat will help it offgas more quickly.

Best of luck to you!

@thecohens I also thought the same thing - that eventually the off gassing will stop - so we moved out for a couple weeks......It has now been almost 8 weeks that I have been unable to live in my home!! I don't have the patience or money to give it any more time..... we are renting a house while this offgassing is happening.... We tested the air quality and the formaldehyde was almost 100 ppb..... health canada and WHO say that's only safe for 30-60 minutes.... I did another air test today. Results should be back in a week... if it's still elevated and he has some explaining to do.

@allie how do you know all of this?!?! ie: matching the ingredients on the can to the msds. And how do you know what you're sensitive to? And that Ketone is bad etc.

I am just assuming my issue is the Formaldehyde. But we also did a VOC test an it has all sorts of fun stuff in there... I could be reacting to any of it I suppose.

@Lisa Bee, lots and lots of reading!

I started researching once I started having sensitivities. MSDS and SDS show the ingredients that are required to be reported. I had already looked on Varathane Sealcoat Sanding Shellac's SDS. Ethanol and 2-Propanol are the denatured alcohol and evaporates quickly. I was comfortable asking my husband to pick some up for me.

https://www.rustoleum.com/product-catalog/consumer-brands/zinsser/interior-wood-finishes/sealcoat-universal-sanding-sealer

I didn't take a picture of the actual can once I got it, but this is what I found that matches what was on it.

https://www.whatsinproducts.com/types/type_detail/1/8156/standard/span%20style=%22color:

Ketones are:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methyl_isobutyl_ketone

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butanone#Health_effects

Serious bad news!

Offgassing occurs in two levels. In the beginning, you have the initial curing. This is the majority of the offgassing and the volume can be intense. But after that ends, the offgassing continues at a lower potency for years, usually between 2-3 but up to 5. When you consider all of the items in our homes that have plastics, plywood, and chemical coatings, it is difficult to navigate, for sure. In a reno, it can be extremely challenging because flooring, stains, sealers, cabinets, countertop epoxies, countertop sealers, paint, caulk, mastic, grout, appliance coatings, etc are all swirling in your environment.

We've been doing our mini-reno in slow motion. I have specified what products would be used for each contractor and reviewed tons of msds and sds files. I try to avoid antimicrobials (Microban, triclosan), phthalates, BPA/BPS, PVC vinyl (because of the C, the chloride), etc. I clean mold and mildew in my shower with hydrogen peroxide and dish soap rather than bleach. I just try to make wise choices. Do I overthink some things? Probably. But I've been where you are, and I hate feeling sick, and this is something I can do to prevent it.

Need a whole house filtration system.

@sloyder - any recommendations?

Need an activated charcoal filter, I am only seeing portable ones. But I assume you could add it to your HVAC system?

https://www.allerair.com/pages/remove-formaldehyde

I completely empathize with you. Formaldehyde gives me horrible wheezing, coughing, and rashes even at lower levels. I was skin tested by a dermatologist at a university medical center to many different things and it was confirmed to be formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is in everything- shampoo, lotion, soap. Hard to avoid but with diligence you can lower the amount in your home. I need to get new floors and furniture but am hesitant due to the formaldehyde.

As for your situation, I'm not sure what to do about the cabinets but I can recommend a face mask to help you tolerate the home while you work on the issue. There are 2 face masks that filter formaldehyde. A smaller one that is more convenient but only filters small amounts of formaldehyde. Good for filtering the car exhaust on the highway when out driving. You can easily convert the straps to earloops to fit around the ears instead of around the head if you want:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LDI77Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Here is a larger mask that can filter higher levels of formaldehyde but is bulky. It works really well though. You have to purchase the filters separate.

Mask:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008MCUT86/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Filters:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0017DHGTW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have both and they are helpful. Good luck.

@allie and @sloyder - do you think spraying over the cabinets in waterbased paint would 'seal' in the issue?

I ask because even though he is willing to redo the kitchen cabinets in formaldehyde free/solid wood/water based paint, I still have a custom book case that was also painted in the post catylized lacquer. He still has this in his shop. I told him I don't want it back until I know it's finished offgassing. He offered to repaint it in waterbased paint (he will confirm with the paint manufacturer if this is possible). But if he's going to go through that effort I want to try to ensure the problem will be resolved.... or at least greatly improved.

I would like him to provide a sample of the cabinets sprayed in waterbased paint to see if that bothers you, since you are so sensitive. If it does not then he can proceed painting the rest.

@lisa bee, do you know whether the lacquer caused a reaction or just the plywood? Depending on what is in the lacquer, it likely can penetrate a water-based finish. Just like air bubbles rising to the surface of water, gases can move through the water-based finish.

There are products specifically made to seal in off-gassing. Shellac can seal in a lot, and because it's not gaseous after the denatured alcohol evaporates, it would work for sealing a lacquer. I thought I remembered reading that the lacquer was not a problem though.

Formula for sealing:

Step 1: Seal with clear shellac or AFM Safecoat Safe Seal.

Step 2: Paint with water-based paint (test for tolerance as 0 VOC doesn't mean 0 HAP. I react slightly to Benjamin Moore Aura and Natura products, though it's significantly less than other lines. I knew this after painting a sample. But once it's dry, my symptoms end too, fortunately. But this is an area that everyone is different, and water-based doesn't guarantee clean for your body.

@allie I've been unable to 100% determine if it's just the lacquer or the plywood. I feel it's a nasty combination of both. We retested the air and the formaldehyde and VOC levels are really high.... I don't even think you need to have a sensitivity to be reacting at these levels. I would have *thought* that the formaldehyde levels would have dropped off by now... we're going on 9 weeks and it's still unbearable.

@sloyder that's a good suggestion. The thing is I don't even think I"m that sensitive a person. I never have been. The level of Formaldehyde and VOCs are so elevated in the house. I don't get why other people aren't reacting to it. For me, I get warm/flush in the face, a fuzzy head and tingly lips as soon as I walk in the house.

Sounds like you need a whole house carbon filter, or determine the actual cause of the poor air quality.

@sloyder yes, I have put a carbon filter in the furnace. And I am now exploring the merits of an HRV. I feel like the actual cause of the poor air quality is this cabinetry.

so sorry you're dealing with all that.

Is there a pro service that come fix the air quality problem / ventilation in your area? HVAC? I would definitely invest in getting a Pro to give you the fresh air eveyone deserves. Maybe they can at least getvyou some pointers. I hope you feel better soon.

I sympathize with you and your situation, and would recommend looking into Histamine Intolerance. You may already be aware of this condition, but if not it may help you lessen your symptoms. The body reacts to many triggers by releasing chemical mediators (some of which are histamines) from the mast cells and often people become hyper reactive to all kinds of things, including foods, and release way too much of the stuff. It can cause symptoms in all parts of the body.

The good news is, if you can cut back on the things that trigger you it is easier to cope with the overall load. Think of it like a bucket that fills up with histamine and when it gets full and spills over - bam! you've got the symptoms. It is different than allergies, and often causes these sensitivities. So if you are Histamine Intolerant changing your diet to low histamine foods may help you deal with the VOCs.

You can find info by researching Histamine Intolerance or Mast Cell problems.

Good Health to you!

@Lisa Bee, how are you and your cabinet situation doing? I've thought about you often and hope you are much improved. :)

I am having this exact issue!! With my new kitchen cabinets! It’s been 2 months and i can’t live in my house, I’ve been staying at another apt and i keep checking back at the house and i am STILL having these same reactions as Lisa when i am in my kitchen. It’s unbearable. How long does this offgassing take? Lisa how are your cabinets and the air quality now that it’s two years later? Please reply, i want to know if the problem will go away in two years or if it is still there? Ugh i don’t know what to do it’s been two months and i just want to know how much longer this will take!

Lisa, I’m having the same issue with the same plywood company. would love to know how you got this resolved. thanks!!

Well, I am joining the crowd. Construction reno of kitchen was done in November '21 and I've been living with friends since September construction start-up. The smell makes me feel shakey limbed, nauseous and foggy headed to the point of not being able to remember what I'm doing. The source of the problem has been a quandry. Cabinets? New subflooring? I think plywod makes me feel bad too. My floor is a LEEDs approved snap-together vinyl tiles that helped me avoid any glues. Low VOC paint dried and stopped smelling within 24-hrs. Currently the vapors from the kithen have permeated the rest of my small house. Opening windows doesn't even help. Have basement ventilation and 5 Austin Healthmate 15 pound carbon air purifiers. I am also having an ERV installed. Not sure what else to do at this point when very unclear about the source of the issue. Do not have the funds to redo everything!

Lisa Bee I'm having the same problem with painted cabinets. I was told that urea formaldehyde never stops off-gassing. There's a non-urea form of formaldehyde that does stop off-gassing. The manufacturer won't cooperate. It's just 2 cabinets! The rest of the cabinets are fine. Anyone know where to get a good formaldehyde test? Hoping that positive, high test results will convince them to replace the cabinets. These cabinets were crazy expensive! I'm leaving out the manufacturer's name for now. If they don't make it right, I'll out them.

Lisa and others did you ever resolve the issue? I am having the same problem with my new kitchen. Have newborn and kids so very concerned