VOCs detected from wood-based panels and changes in organ weights and blood parameters in exposed mice

Description

Wood is commonly used in our daily lives as a construction material, furniture component, and for interior design. Various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted from wood, and although the health effects of some VOCs are known, it remains unclear which specific VOCs are released from actual commercial products and how they impact health. In this study, we examined three commonly used wood-based panels—pine wood board (PWB), particle board (PB), and low-pressure melamine particle board (LPM)—to analyze the composition of VOCs emitted daily over a 14-day residential exposure period and to assess the resulting health effects in mice. Compared to standard air quality testing protocols for regulatory purposes, our study was conducted in a relatively enclosed environment, resulting in higher VOC concentrations. Despite this, no significant adverse health effects were observed in the mice. While some statistically significant changes were noted in certain organ weights, complete blood count (CBC), and serum biochemical parameters, all values remained within normal physiological ranges. Furthermore, histological analyses of the liver, kidney, and lungs revealed no abnormalities. These findings suggest that the data generated from this study may serve as a valuable reference for future wood product regulations and related research.

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