Is Your Desk Safe?

With growing concerns about toxic materials in home and office furniture, it’s no surprise people are asking: Is my desk table top safe?

The recent controversy surrounding Lumber Liquidators sparked concern about the safety of wood-based products—especially those made overseas. The spotlight was placed on dangerously high levels of formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, found in many composite wood products.

So, if you’re considering a standing desk or already using one, it’s worth paying attention to what your desktop is actually made of.

What Happened with Lumber Liquidators?

A few years ago, a report aired on 60 Minutes revealing that some of Lumber Liquidators' flooring products—particularly those manufactured in China—contained extremely high levels of formaldehyde. These levels were well above acceptable health and safety standards.

Formaldehyde is commonly used in the adhesives and glues of particleboard, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), and veneer plywood. That means many desktops, especially inexpensive ones or those made with composite wood, may also be releasing this toxic chemical into your space.

How Harmful Is Formaldehyde?

Even at low levels, formaldehyde exposure can cause a range of health issues, including:

• Watery eyes

• Burning sensations in the nose and throat

• Coughing and wheezing

• Nausea and skin irritation

Prolonged exposure is even more concerning. According to the National Cancer Institute, formaldehyde may increase the risk of leukemia and other cancers. The CDC has called it a "potent sensitizer," meaning that exposure can actually make your body more sensitive or allergic to other chemicals over time.

Why Is It Still Being Used?

The short answer: cost. Formaldehyde-based adhesives are cheaper and readily available, particularly in factories where safety regulations are more relaxed. That’s why they’re still widely used in many imported products—especially those made from composite or pressed wood.

In contrast, North American manufacturing follows much stricter guidelines, significantly reducing or eliminating the use of toxic chemicals in furniture production.

But as a consumer, unless companies explicitly state that their products are formaldehyde-free, it’s likely the material is still being used.

Why Your Desk Table Top Matters

When people choose standing desks, it’s often because they want to improve their health—reducing sedentary time, easing back pain, and even lowering the risk of certain illnesses. So why cancel out those benefits with a toxic tabletop?

Opting for a formaldehyde-free desk top, especially one made in regions with strong health and safety standards like Canada, ensures your workspace supports your wellness goals—not undermines them.

What Can You Do?

If you're shopping for a standing desk or looking to upgrade your setup, keep these tips in mind:

• Ask about materials used. If the manufacturer doesn’t mention formaldehyde-free construction, assume it’s not.

• Avoid composite wood like particle board and MDF, unless it's CARB Phase 2 compliant or labeled formaldehyde-free.

• Look for locally sourced or North American-made desktops with transparency in materials and manufacturing.

• Don’t compromise your health to save a few bucks. A safer workspace is worth the investment.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to wear a hazmat suit to work at your desk—but you should be mindful of what it’s made of. Whether you're switching to a standing desk for better posture, more energy, or long-term health benefits, make sure your desktop isn’t quietly doing more harm than good.

Your health is too important to gamble on toxic materials. Choose safer options—and breathe a little easier at your desk.