Particle Board = Death

We've previously discussed how granite counter tops are radioactive. But as one astute commenter pointed out, you don't want to outfit your fallout shelter in Formica.

The danger isn't in the Formica, but rather what the Formica is covering up: particle board. Turns out, particle board is made with formaldehyde, that fun stuff they use to soak brains and FEMA trailer in. While formaldehyde is good for preserving brains of dead people, it isn't such a good thing to breath in if you plan on staying alive.



According to National Geographic, the stuff can cause nausea, allergic reactions and a burning sensation in the eyes, nose and mouth. The EPA considers it a possible carcinogen. The National Cancer Institute has conducted studies linking exposure to increased risk of leukemia and brain cancer.

Formica, and the laminate stuff over your particle board (or press board) desk, chair, table, etc., acts as a partial barrier between you and the nasty stuff, except for all the exposed parts. Anyway, it's probably lurking behind your house walls.

That pretty much leaves us with solid hardwood from tropical forests and plastics, which were designed by Satan.

Your Counter Top May Be Radioactive

Does your newly rehabbed kitchen have that special glow? Turns out it may be because it's radioactive!

You read it right. According to the New York Times, some people in white coats have declared that some granite counter tops are emitting radiation (including lung cancer causing radon) at 100 times background levels.

The paper reports that worried homeowners are spending $100-300 to test their kitchens for radon and other nasty stuff, and chucking the whole thing into the trash if the numbers are bad.

Fortunately, Worried Dad is not too worried, because we have plain old Formica tops that have not, as of this writing, been proven to cause cancer...