Strand Woven Bamboo Emissions

Here’s a little extra post with a bit of handy info I received from Steve earlier today about Strand Woven Bamboo which I wanted to share. Steve took the time to answer a great question while still checking out new flooring manufacturers over in Europe.
Q: Steve,
I am really wanting to put down some strand woven bamboo in my home, but I ran across your blog about formaldehyde and I had a couple of questions. Are the two criteria you mention (testing and spot checking) actually being employed by anyone? Is that the reason ifloor is not carrying this type of bamboo? Why is the strand woven bamboo being highlighted as a potential problem. Some sellers say that a dynea formaldehyde-free resin is being used. Does that sound plausible? Thanks for your help.
Don
A: Don,
We hear the claims about dynea or similar quality adhesives being used – which have proven false on inspection 90 % of the time.
Even with dynea the quantity of glue required using a hot press system is so high that it may still fail emission tests in a solid bamboo format to be within acceptable guidelines.
That is why we have not carried it to date.
Starting in mid-July we will offer strand with ultra low emission by making it in an engineered format vs. Solid.
This will give the benefit without the downside carcinogen risks.
Good luck on your project – we wish you much success!
Ss