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Expert: - 7/23/2009


Question

Plywood cutting board
I am aware hardwoods should be used for cutting board materials, but recently ran in to an apartment where a standard 3/4 inch plywood was used as a replacement for this.  Is there a health issue using laminated plywoods due to glues used or other factors?

Thanks for your expertise!
Delane

Answer
Delane,

You're right to question whether plywood used as a cutting board could potentially transfer some of it's toxicity into food that is cut on the board. But there are a couple of factors to consider.

The first thing I would ask is if the board was sealed. Not that sealing blocks all of the transfer, but it does cut down on it.

Next, I would consider how long the food is in contact with the board. If you think about it, if you slice a loaf of bread on that plywood, the bread really isn't in contact with the wood too long, and it's not like anything is going to wick up into the bread from the board.

But if you were slicing meats, and your knife was digging into the wood, exposing some fresh, unsealed wood, then you might potentially have a problem there.

I would worry about wet or damp things possible wicking up toxins from the board, but I think the law of gravity is going to make cutting dry things on the board fairly safe.

Still - I wouldn't really want to take a chance, would you? You can buy replacement boards like this from many places, I would suggest replacing that plywood board with a solid wood board.

Good luck, hope this helps.

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com

Jamie Yocono

Expertise

Woodworker, Furniture designer/builder, industrial arts educator. Bachelor degree in Furniture Design, and journeyman carpenter, with a 4 year apprenticeship. Currently owner of custom furniture/cabinet shop in Las Vegas, NV. Can answer most woodworking questions EXCEPT those regarding repairs, refinishing, and antiques.

Experience

Bachelor in Furniture Design - Ohio University (1980) Journeyman Carpenter, Local 639 Adult educator - Developed adult education woodworking program for the University of Akron, and taught classes there for 9 years. Opened a private woodworking school in Las Vegas, NV and teach private and semi-private lessons. In 2011, I will begin teaching UNLV woodworking classes at my school. Sweet!

Organizations
Furniture Society

Publications
Tile Design and Installation Magazine (Article on inlaying tile into wood)

Education/Credentials
Journeyman Union Carpenter Bachelors degree in Furniture Design (Ohio University) College of Hard Knocks!

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