Started breaking down some maple plywood.  After I ripped three sheets I started to smell something.  I don't know what it is but I remember that same smell about 30+ years ago when my father in law said he would buy me a tool if I made him a bookcase.  Don't remember where I bought that plywood but it had the same stink.  He was going to paint it himself but he never did and I smelled it every time we were at his house. 

Not sure what it was but it smelled like either a cat litter box or what you smell when you go near a paper mill.  Anyone have a clue on this?  Will it go away once its sealed/stained/etc?  I hate to bring it into the house unless I know it can be contained.

Sounds like formaldehyde. It's a pungent-sour smell if the concentration is high enough.

https://www.epa.gov/formaldehyde/frequent-questions-consumers-about-formaldehyde-standards-composite-wood-products-act

With recent shortages it's possible the plywood didn't have enough time to "gas out" before it was sold to you.


Kind regards,
Oliver

With recent shortages it's possible the plywood didn't have enough time to "gas out" before it was sold to you.

Thanks Oliver.  Would consensus be that this will air out at some point and not stink up the house? 

Rick

It should gas out/ air out. And once the edges are sealed/painted that should, to the best of my knowledge/experience, prevent further gassing out.

If it was my project, I'd definitely try to let it air out as much as possible/feasible before sealing it though.

And I second what Sparktrician said, if it's the Chinese stuff, all bets are off. I've seen trash pressed in as well. Really hope it was just a little too early for delivery in your case!


Kind regards,
Oliver

Ask dealer for COO (Country of origin). If you're buying at the big box stores, you can try and find a stack that is still packed/wrapped, COO should be on it.

I'm not sure at which thickness they start doing it, but all of the thicker stock plywood I bought had a stamp showing quality/classification and additional information.

Kind regards,
Oliver

Its a smell I smelt many years ago so I am hoping it's not the baby diaper issue.  The guy I bought from was trying to convince me his prefinished birch was fine even though it came from C*a.  I stayed away from that.  I will make sure to cover every surface with something, even if its inside the carcass.  Thanks guys.