Formaldehyde
- Indoor Air Quality - Introduction
- Combustion Pollutants
- Household Products
- Second Hand Smoke
- Formaldehyde
- Mold
- Radon
- Resources
Formaldehyde
What is it?
Formaldehyde is a common chemical used by industry to manufacture building materials and numerous household products. It produces a colorless and strong smelling gas that can cause health effects. There are two types of formaldehyde resins, urea formaldehyde which can release formaldehyde gas and phenol formaldehyde which generally emits lower levels of gas.
Sources in the Home
Sources in the home may include:
- Cigarettes and other tobacco products
- Building materials especially fiberboard, particle board, and plywood paneling.
- Household sources such as fiberglass, carpets, permanent press fabrics, paper products, and some household cleaners
- The use of un-vented, fuel-burning appliances, like gas stoves, kerosene space heaters, gas cookers, or open fireplaces.
- Foamed in place urea formaldehyde insulation
Effects
Formaldehyde has various effects depending on the exposure levels, these may include:
- Coughing
- Skin rashes
- Throat, eye, and nose irritation (burning, itchy, tearing, and sore throat)
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Difficulty in breathing when exposed at elevated levels
- Severe allergic reactions
What You Can Do
- Use “exterior-grade” pressed wood products
- Use air conditioning and dehumidifiers to maintain moderate temperatures and reduce humidity levels as formaldehyde is released at faster rates under humid conditions. (Drain and clean dehumidifier collection trays often so they do not become a breeding ground for microorganisms).
- Increase ventilation to lower the levels, especially after bringing new sources of formaldehyde into the home. You can do this by opening windows and using fans to bring fresh air indoors.
- Avoid using un-vented heaters indoors.
- Avoid smoking indoors
- Wash permanent press fabrics before use.
- Ask about the formaldehyde content of pressed wood products before you purchase them.
- Use alternative products such as lumber, metal, or solid wood furniture
- Seal unfinished manufactured wood surfaces
- Avoid the use of foamed in place insulation containing formaldehyde, especially urea-formaldehyde foam insulation.
back to top