" 
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SEN1.158 
S. No. _-=-__ 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Sandago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Constitution, Article 2, 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 plywood 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 
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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.' 
• This bill was originally filed in the 14th Congress. 
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FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
SENt¥Sa 
S. No. __ 
---'--_=_ 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
AN ACT 
REGULATING MEDIUM DENSITY FIBERBOARDS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
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SECTION I. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "MDF Regulatory Act." . 
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SECTION 2. Definition of terms. - As used in this Act, the term-
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(A) "Medium-density fiberboard" or MDF is an engineered wood product formed by 
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breaking down softwood into wood fibers, often in a defibrator, combining it with wax 
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and a resin binder, and forming panels by applying high temperature and pressure.; 
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(B) "Department" means the Department of Health; 
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SECTION 3. Packaging Requirement. - Any person who offers medium density 
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fiberboard for sale, shall include a clear, conspicuous, and easily readable label on the packaging 
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stating: 
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WARNING: This product contains a chemical known to cause cancer, 
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birth defects and other reproductive hazards. Take measures to prevent inhalation 
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of particles when working with this product. 
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SECTION 4. Requirements for a permit. - Before an employer may be granted a permit 
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or allowed to continue to manufacture medium density fiberboards or to use this material in any 
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stage of his business, he must comply with the fOllowing requirements-
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(A) The amount ofMDF emission should be limited to 0.3 parts per million; 
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(B) Gloves and suitable gas masks should be provided by an employer for employees 
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who handle or work with MDF; 
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(C) Th~re should be adequate ventilation when working with MDF, where dust cannot be 
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eliminated, the employer must introduce control measures that adequately control dust 
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levels; 
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SECTION 5. Penalties. - The Department is empowered to establish and assess penalties 
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or fines against an employer for violations of this Act or regulations adopted under this Act. In 
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no circumstance will any penalties or fines exceed PIO,OOO.OO for each day the permit holder 
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remains in violation. 
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SECTION 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision, or part hereof is held invalid or 
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unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain 
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valid and subsisting. 
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SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive 
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order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or inconsistent 
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with, the provisions ofthis Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly. 
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SECTION 8. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
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pUblication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approv",d. 
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