Particle board is made by gluing wood chips together under pressure, using formadehyde-based glues.
Most kichen cabinets are made this way, and so is a lot of furniture. A good way to tell if they are made from particle board is to look at the ends of the plates. The only way to get rid of the formaldehyde is the seal it off. This can be done with a sealer that is applied to the entire surface . According to an EPA report, sealing is only effective if all sides are completely sealed, gases can travel through the material and exit where the coating is missing.