FAQ

6
What is a Calibrated panel?
A calibrated panel is typically a veneer core panel whose core was produced in a separate step and sanded to strict thickness
tolerances before the outer decorative veneers are applied. Natural variation such as density, moisture absorption, and physical
properties, combined with manufacturing variation results in thickness fluctuations in all wood panels. Veneer core typically
has more potential thickness variation than engineered cores. Product Standard ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2009 includes limitations for
thickness variation for all decorative panel products. A calibrated panel is designed to provide even tighter tolerance
restrictions. Columbia’s brand of calibrated core for hardwood plywood is called JayCore™ and KayCore™.
Does Columbia’s PureBond plywood meet ANSI/HPVA standards?
Columbia Forest Products plywood conforms to all of the requirements established in ANSI/HPVA HP-1-2009 developed
cooperatively with the industry and published by the Hardwood Plywood and Veneer Association. Full responsibility for the
conformance of this product to the Standard is assumed by Columbia Forest Products, Greensboro NC.
About Indoor Air Quality
What is formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is a chemical compound with the formula CHOH or CH2O. It is a colorless, pungent gas and common volatile
organic compound (VOC). It was first reported by the Russian chemist Aleksandr Butlerov (1828-1886.) Formaldehyde is used
as a component in many common products including disinfectants and preservatives, clothing and textiles, plastics and coatings.
It is also a by-product of combustion and certain other natural processes. Human beings and plant life actually produce small
amounts of formaldehyde on a daily basis!
When reacted with urea it produces a hard thermoset resin. These resins are commonly used in permanent adhesives such as
those used in hardwood plywood, particleboard and medium density fiberboard (MDF). Urea formaldehyde can “off-gas” for a
period of time after the manufacturing process is complete.
What is a VOC?
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines a VOC (or Volatile Organic Compound) as any organic
compound that participates in a photoreaction. The term may refer both to well characterized organic compounds and to
mixtures of variable composition. Volatile Organic Compounds are carbon based chemical compounds, found in thousands of
household products that vaporize into a gas at room temperature like paint thinners, cleaning products, carpeting and even room
deoderizers . Once inhaled, these toxins can be stored within the body, potentially causing long-term health effects.
What is no added urea formaldehyde (NAUF)?
A term used in the construction industry to describe materials that have no added urea-formaldehyde in the manufacturing
process. The term refers specifically to the binders used in composite panel production. Alternative adhesive systems that
qualify for the NAUF category would include: Phenol Formaldehyde (PF), Poly vinyl acetate (PVA) and Soy. LEED
(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) has also adopted the no added urea-formaldehyde terminology under the
credit EQ 4.4. The popularity of LEED has driven this term into the mainstream as the public becomes more concerned with
issues of indoor air quality.