“Formaldehyde occurs naturally in for instance wood, apples and in tomatoes. Formaldehyde can also be added in industrial processes such as hardener for glue. High emission levels, concentrate of formaldehyde, can imply irritation and in exceptional cases, health hazard. IKEA has decided to lower the Formaldehyde level in wood based board from E1 to approximately ½ E1. IKEA has a long term vision that emission levels in wood based products shall be on the same levels as natural wood. The up-to-now level, a European standard level known as E1, is considered as an adequate level and safe with no known health hazards . IKEA has however decided to further lower the level by halve the E1 level as of September 2008. This is the latest standard for all IKEA products made of particle board and MDF boards. We want to be as transparent about it as possible – thank you for asking!”