E1, E0, ENF, F★★★★—What Do These Grades Mean, And Which Is Safe?

These are formaldehyde emission grades for wood-based panels. Under China's GB/T 39600-2021: E1 ≤0.124, E0 ≤0.050, ENF ≤0.025 mg/m³ (ENF is the highest domestic tier); Japan's F★★★★ ≈ ≤0.03 mg/m³ but uses a different test method, so they aren't directly comparable. With the mandatory GB 18580-2025 now in force, the baseline for indoor panels has risen further. For homes with seniors, pregnant women, infants, or allergy sufferers: specify E0 minimum, ENF for children's rooms and bedrooms, and ask for the original test report (note whether it's a random factory inspection or a merchant-submitted sample). One caveat: compliant boards don't guarantee compliant indoor air-overloading a small room can still push levels up. Get an independent air test before moving in.