Are composite woods that contain urea-formaldehyde resins allowed if they are sealed with laminate or a water based sealant on all exposed surfaces? These measures are a solution to exposure to urea-formaldehyde given by the Environmental Health Center (A Division of the National Safety Council). Will taking these steps adequately satisfy the intention of this credit?
No. Composite wood must contain no added urea-fomaldehyde resins to qualify for this credit. LEED does not currently recognize the Environmental Health Standards as adequately addressing the requirements of this credit. There is no way to verify or maintain the long-term integrity of the sealant or paint applied to the composite wood product to sequester the urea-formaldehyde in the material. Applicable Internationally.