Are kitchen cabinets safe? Formaldehyde, CARB2 and TSCA Title VI explained.
Formaldehyde is used in the glues that bond many composite wood panels, and small amounts can off-gas into a room. In the United States, composite wood sold or used in cabinets has to meet the emission limits of TSCA Title VI, the federal rule enforced by the EPA (40 CFR part 770), which matches California's CARB Phase 2 limits (17 CCR 93120). The limits are 0.05 parts per million for hardwood plywood, 0.09 for particle board, 0.11 for MDF and 0.13 for thin MDF, tested and certified by an EPA-recognized third-party certifier. Finished goods such as cabinets are labeled TSCA Title VI compliant. The hardwood plywood used for RTA Cabinets Plus cabinet boxes is third-party certified to CARB Phase 2 and TSCA Title VI, and our finished cabinets are labeled CARB Phase II Compliant and TSCA Title VI Compliant, with the production date. The boxes click together on a licensed system with no glue.
CARB Phase 2 and TSCA Title VI, in plain English.
- CARB Phase 2
- California's Airborne Toxic Control Measure for composite wood products (17 CCR 93120 to 93120.12). It set the formaldehyde emission limits in two phases; Phase 2, the stricter one, has been in force since the early 2010s.
- TSCA Title VI
- The federal Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act of 2010, put into effect by the EPA as 40 CFR part 770. It applies the CARB Phase 2 limits across the United States, and its labeling requirements have applied since June 1, 2018.
- Third-party certifier
- Panel mills have their products tested and certified by an EPA-recognized third-party certifier (TPC), which audits the mill and tests its panels on a schedule.
- The label
- Certified panels carry a label, and finished goods made from them, such as cabinets, are labeled TSCA Title VI compliant. A fabricator keeps records showing its composite wood was certified.
- ULEF and NAF
- Ultra low emitting formaldehyde and no added formaldehyde resins can qualify a mill for reduced testing. They are a further step below the limits, not a separate standard.
The formaldehyde limit for each panel type.
| Emission limit | Where it shows up in a cabinet | |
|---|---|---|
| Hardwood plywood | 0.05 ppm | Cabinet boxes and shelves on plywood cabinets |
| Particle board | 0.09 ppm | Boxes and shelves on budget cabinets |
| MDF | 0.11 ppm | Painted door center panels, some drawer bottoms |
| Thin MDF (8 mm or less) | 0.13 ppm | Thin backs and panels |
What we can show you.
The certificate behind our cabinet boxes, the label on the finished cabinets, and a copy of the certificate whenever you ask.
- Box plywood
- The hardwood plywood used for our cabinet boxes is third-party certified to CARB ATCM 93120 Phase 2 and EPA TSCA Title VI (40 CFR part 770) by an EPA-recognized, CARB-approved third-party certifier. The current certificate is valid through May 2027.
- Finished cabinet label
- Our finished cabinets are labeled CARB Phase II Compliant and TSCA Title VI Compliant, with the production date on the label.
- The certificate
- Available on request. Email hello@rtacabinetsplus.com or use the contact page, and we will send you a copy.
- No glue in assembly
- The box clicks together on a licensed system: no glue is used to assemble it, so nothing is added at home.
What people ask next.
What does CARB2 compliant mean for cabinets?
The composite wood in the cabinets, such as plywood, particle board and MDF, was made at a mill certified to meet California's Phase 2 formaldehyde emission limits: 0.05 ppm for hardwood plywood, 0.09 for particle board and 0.11 for MDF.
What is TSCA Title VI?
The federal rule, enforced by the EPA under 40 CFR part 770, that applies the CARB Phase 2 formaldehyde limits to composite wood products sold or used across the United States, with labeling required since June 1, 2018.
Is plywood safer than particle board for formaldehyde?
Under the rules, hardwood plywood has the lowest limit, 0.05 ppm, against 0.09 ppm for particle board and 0.11 ppm for MDF.
Are RTA Cabinets Plus cabinets CARB2 and TSCA Title VI compliant?
Our finished cabinets are labeled CARB Phase II Compliant and TSCA Title VI Compliant, with the production date. The hardwood plywood used for the cabinet boxes is third-party certified to CARB Phase 2 and TSCA Title VI by an EPA-recognized, CARB-approved third-party certifier, and the current certificate is valid through May 2027. Email hello@rtacabinetsplus.com for a copy.
Who we areRTA Cabinets Plus is an independently owned retailer that sells ready to assemble kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities direct to homeowners, remodelers and trade buyers. Made by a manufacturer that builds cabinets for one of the largest semi-custom brands in the U.S.
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Want a person to check your plan?(305) 782-7587, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm ET. Or send your measurements for a free design.