[Brian Considine]

Last Friday I had to cut some holes in a shop unit made from MDF - I could not really get the correct angle on the drill & ended up & "burned" the MDF with the resultant aweful smell & just a whiff of smoke.

The next day I had really bad flu symtoms (the "man-flu"), but I managed to shake it off using the usual Lemsip in about a day.

Thinking back, I have had this before - anyone else suffered, or is it just an allergy I have ?

(& yes, I was wearing a mask).

 

[john woodall]

I have been pretty sick with flu, but its winter down here!

John

 

[bike2steam]

QUOTE (Brian Considine @ 24 Aug 2008, 10:48) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Last Friday I had to cut some holes in a shop unit made from MDF - I could not really get the correct angle on the drill & ended up & "burned" the MDF with the resultant aweful smell & just a whiff of smoke.

The next day I had really bad flu symtoms (the "man-flu"), but I managed to shake it off using the usual Lemsip in about a day.

Thinking back, I have had this before - anyone else suffered, or is it just an allergy I have ?

(& yes, I was wearing a mask).

If you know how to grind drills, treat MDF the same as you would aluminium, but without coolant.
Paul M.

 

[Brian Considine]

QUOTE (bike2steam @ 24 Aug 2008, 10:05) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>If you know how to grind drills, treat MDF the same as you would aluminium, but without coolant.
Paul M.

The problem was accessing the area to be cut - at the end of a recess - the hole cutter was new & sharp but I just could not get enough (even light) pressure on it. Later on I cut some other holes (in easily accessible positions) with the same cutter, light pressure, no fumes, no smoke just a fine dust no problems.

 

[neil_s_wood]

I sometimes get colds and chest infections from inhaling lots of dust. I try and wear masks more often now.

 

[Ed Allen]

QUOTE (neil_s_wood @ 24 Aug 2008, 23:06) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>I sometimes get colds and chest infections from inhaling lots of dust. I try and wear masks more often now.
You should always wear a mask when cutting or drilling MDF or any type of plywood.
The glues used in all these materials are formaldehyde based and are irritants to the eyes and lungs as well as being carcinogenic. Treat them with care as you would asbestos.
They are safe when left intact or painted.
There is plenty of information on line about the health and safety implications.
Google ' MDF dust hazards' and take care.
Ed

 

[Lancashire Fusilier]

Yes, it has been covered before but....

Treat all timber dust the same - Appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) must be worn whenever creating dust from any timber or timber product because if it isn't the timber dust itself it will be the glue!

 

[alastairq]

QUOTE Google ' MDF dust hazards' and take care.
Ed

gosh...didn't realise Google was dangerous as well.....