Preparing Food on Formica Countertops
QUESTION:
How safe is to prepare food directly on Formica counter tops? My family member is using the kitchen Formica counter tops to make flour dough. Any toxic material being release from the Formica during the dough making process?
Thanks a lot
KH
POSTED BY KWAN HUI :: INDIANA USA :: 06/16/2009 6:36 AM
DEBRA'S ANSWER:
Formica is an extremely hard plastic that does not, to my knowledge, release vapors of anything.
The toxic danger from Formica countertops comes from the particleboard that is often used as the underlayment, which outgasses formaldehyde. This is completely blocked by the Formica on the user surface, but not on the underside. Formaldehyde can easily build up in cabinets and be released into living areas when the cabinets are opened.
Debra :-)
