Whether you plan to create extra space in your office for a conference room or want to carve out a corner at home for yourself, wall partitioning is just the right way to get started.
There is a wide range of options available for interior partitioning systems like wood, glass MDF, fibre cement boards in, drywall partition and more. The choice is completely yours. While partitioning meets your need to optimally use the available space, choosing the right material is of utmost importance.
MDF (Medium-Density Fibre Board), is extensively used and highly preferred by interior designers and furniture makers. But, now the material seems to be losing its edge to fibre cement boards as the best alternative.
Technically speaking, MDF is a type of composite wood product that looks like natural wood but in reality made by bonding together wood fibres with a synthetic resin adhesive. Then it is formed into panels using heat and pressure. A versatile material, it can be machined and finished to a high standard. As a result, MDF turned out to be a low-cost alternative in a wide range of furniture and partition applications.
What is the concern with MDF partitioning?
The biggest concern about MDF is the adhesive -*Urea Formaldehyde (UF), used in its making. UF is a chemical derived from a mixture of urea and formaldehyde. Used to create a strong bond, it releases toxic gases which cause health hazards to the people working on and using MDF products.
Presence of Formaldehyde in the air often causes irritation in the eyes, skin, nasal tract and throat. It may also lead to nausea, coughing, and wheezing. A more critical issue that has come to the fore with prolonged exposure to formaldehyde is a life-threatening disease like cancer which takes years to develop and hence, is difficult to diagnose.
In rooms with poor ventilation, formaldehyde can turn out to be really harmful to people sensitive or allergic to chemicals. When such people are in constant contact with formaldehyde, they may develop bronchitis or asthma and even skin allergies.
What is the Solution?
In several countries like the US and the UK, steps have been taken to curb the use of formaldehyde. Limits have been set for the furniture manufacturers and builders using MDF. In some other European countries, formaldehyde has been banned completely. These initiatives press the need for a suitable alternative.
Switching to a better material like EcoPro fibre cement sheet that poses no health issue is the best solution. A composite of cement, flyash and other binders, these sheets are sustainable materials that can withstand weather, wear and tear, and termites. Here are some other benefits of fibre cement boards that may help you decide why it can be the right option.
- It can mimic a classy wood-look without being exposed to toxic gases.
- Versatility in texture and style allows you to experiment with different looks.
- It has a longer shelf-life, with greater durability and stability.
- Resistance to heat, fire, rotting, and moisture makes it ideal for all kinds of applications in varying weather conditions.
- Impact and abrasion resistance ensures it does not get easily damaged.
Suitable for all types of environment, EcoPro fibre cement board, when used as partition wall, is the right way to create the extra space, without compromising on your health. Take a stand against material causing health hazards by opting for a safer and a better product.
