Heat-fused melamine, a composite wood panel with resin-saturated thermosetting paper facings, is a standard in the reptile cage industry. Retains heat and is easy to clean, many herpes lovers prefer the material to glass or PVC aquariums. Over the past decade, concerns have been raised about formaldehyde-based glues used to press sawdust and other wood chips into a smooth, coherent sheet. It is the chipboard substrate, not the melamine-impregnated coatings, that presents the alleged risk.
Despite recent media fervor, particle board is getting safer as the California Air Resources Board passed a series of laws that dramatically reduce the amount of free formaldehyde molecules allowed. Even imported products must comply with this strict standard that imposes a limit of 0.18 parts per million on all products destined for domestic consumption. Before CARB standards were implemented, particle board was relatively stable once laminated.
Most of the off-gassing occurs during the cutting and manufacturing process when the wood fibers are disturbed. However, the problem of sagging in an elongated length persists as mills convert their glue lines to more environmentally friendly (weaker) resins. Inner frames to our larger cages to reinforce the roof. We’ve actually started to move away from particle board altogether in favor of a plywood center panel with melamine facings. This way you still get the clean look of melamine overlays with the strength and lighter weight of plywood.