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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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First Regular Session 
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SENATE 
S. No. 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Constitution, Article 11, Section 15 provides: 
The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the 
people and instill health consciousness among them. 
Medium-density fiberboard is an engineered wood product formed by breaking 
down softwood into wood fibers, often in a defibrator, combining it with wax and a resin 
binder, and forming panels by applying high temperature and pressure. It is a building 
material similar in application to plywopd but made up of separated fibers, not wood 
veneers. It is denser than normal particle board. Here in the Philippines, it is often used 
for the construction of homes and in sound systems as a speaker enclosure. 
In all fiberboards, formaldehyde resins are used to bond together the constituent 
parts. This is usually urea formaldehyde, but some fibreboard including exterior or 
marine quality board use stronger glues such as phenol formaldehyde. Even at a low 
level, exposure to formaldehyde though inhalation can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, 
throat and mucous membrane. Formaldehyde can also affect the skin, leading to 
dermatitis, and the respiratory system causing asthma and rhinitis. The International 
Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, quoted 
evidence that even short term exposure to formaldehyde, at far below the legal limit 
allowable in the European Union, could cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. 
The IARC's findings also stated that wood dust is a carcinogen and that 
formaldehyde is probably carcinogenic to humans. IARC was also concerned about the 
reproductive hazards of formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is classified throughout Europe as 
a Category 3 Carcinogen. This means it is a substance which "causes concern for humans 


owing to possible carcinogenic effects but, in respect of which, available information is 
not adequate for making a satisfactory assessment.” This puts formaldehyde on the list of 
potential carcinogens, meaning it should be replaced where possible, and if not, subject to 
rigorous controls that reduce exposure to the lowest possible level. 


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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
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OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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First Regular Session 
1 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
AN ACT 
REGULATING MEDIUM DENSITY FIBERBOARDS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “MDF Regulatory Act of 
2008.” 
SECTION 2. Definition of Terms. -As used in this Act, the tern- 
(A) “Medium-density fiberboard” or MDF is an engineered wood product formed by 
breaking down softwood into wood fibers, often in a defibrator, combining it with wax and a 
resin binder, and forming panels by applying high temperature and pressure.; 
(B) “Department” means the Department of Health; 
SECTION 3. Packaging Requirement. - Any person who offers medium density 
fiberboard for sale, shall include a clear, conspicuous, and easily readable label on the packaging 
stating: 
WARNING This product contains a chemical known to cause cancer, 
birth defects and other reproductive hazards. Take measures to prevent inhalation 
of particles when working with this product. 
SECTION 4. Requirements for a Permit. - Before an employer may be granted a permit 
or allowed to continue to manufacture medium density fiberboards or to use this material in any 
stage of his business, he must comply with the following requirements- 
(A) The amount of MDF emission should be limited to 0.3 parts per million; 
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(s) Gloves and suitable gas masks should be provided by an employer for employees 
who handle or work with MDF; 
(C) There should be adequate ventilation when working with MDF, where dust cannot be 
eliminated, the employer must introduce control measures that adequately control dust levels; 
SECTION 5. Penalties. - The Department is empowered to establish and assess penalties 
or fines against an employer for violations of this Act or regulations adopted under this Act. In 
no circumstance ail1 any penalties or fines exceed Ten Thousand Pesos (PlO,OOO.OO) for each 
day the permit holder remains in violation. 
SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision, or part hereof is held invalid or 
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain 
valid and subsisting. 
SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive 
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent 
with, the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly. 
SECTION 8. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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