Medium density fiberboard

It is my understanding that MDF (Medium Density Fibre board) is not
used in museums in the United States of America for both
conservation and health and safety reasons. At Glasgow Museums,  MDF
is widely used both in the construction of and as dress panels
inside display cases. It has also been suggested for the lining of
walls and free standing screens in galleries where 2D works are to
hang. The reason for its popularity is, cheapness, availability and
flexibility.  It would be interesting to find out what materials are
used for similar purposes in the USA.  As it is likely that the
product names will be different in the UK, if possible  would you
give the product name, material, and supplier .

If the main health and safety hazard is inhalation of dust does this
mean it can be used provided it is cut and sealed off the museum
premises?


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 17:3
                   Distributed: Friday, June 20, 2003
                        Message Id: cdl-17-3-013
                                  ***