Read This Before Home Renovation - The Truth About Formaldehyde

Here are some facts about formaldehyde and what the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the American Cancer Society tell us:

The International Agency for Research on Cancer of the WHO classified formaldehyde as "carcinogenic to humans". Formaldehyde is a colorless reactive gas. It is a chemical in a large class of compounds called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The term "volatile" means that a compound vaporizes or becomes a gas at room temperature. In higher concentrations it has a strong odor and can irritate the eyes, nose and lungs. Prolonged exposure to moderate levels of formaldehyde may also worsen asthma symptoms. When the indoor temperature and humidity are higher, the amount of formaldehyde released is generally higher.


Formaldehyde occurs naturally in the environment, including in some foods, and even in our bodies, but it is also a chemical widely used in the manufacture of building materials and many household products. Products with higher emissions and larger surface areas in the home are likely to have a greater impact on indoor air formaldehyde levels. Keep this in mind when prioritizing the different product types below. Additionally, not all brands in every product type contain formaldehyde.

 

Wood floor coatings: Some coatings on wood floors and wood furniture release large amounts of formaldehyde. This finish is known as an acid-catalyzed urea-formaldehyde coating.

Pressed-Wood and Wood-Based Products: Pressed wood (i.e. hardwood plywood, particleboard, MDF, etc.), especially those containing urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin, can be a significant source of formaldehyde.

Glues and adhesives: Some adhesives used to glue tiles contain cancer-causing chemicals.  Auxiliary materials like sealant also contain formaldehyde. We must understand whether its quality is reliable before purchasing.

Synthetic fibers: This is especially true for those sofas, chairs and curtains that are fire retardant, as the process of making this material uses formaldehyde. Fabrics that may contain formaldehyde — durable-press fabrics, rayon, cotton blends, corduroy, wrinkle-resistant 100% cotton, preshrunk wool, and heavy stiff fabrics.

Wallpapers and wall paints: Initial formaldehyde levels after use are moderate, and formaldehyde levels formed during curing may be higher than levels after initial use. Many paints and coatings release other VOCs as they cure.

Re-emissions: Because products such as carpet or gypsum board are porous, they do not contain significant amounts of formaldehyde when new. However, they may trap formaldehyde released into the air by other products and then release it into the indoor air.

Insulation: Formaldehyde is found in UF foam. Many insulating foam pads contain toxic flame retardants.

The best way to protect yourself from formaldehyde indoors is to avoid using high-VOC products as much as possible.

When it comes to wall paint options, use water-based topcoats rather than solvent-based topcoats. Today, most brands of paint offer low-VOC alternatives, and there are even some VOC-free paints, such as "ECOS".

For furniture, if you still prefer or need pressed wood products, you can choose products that emit very low formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds. For example, pressed wood products glued together with phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin or methylene diisocyanate (MDI) resin emit much less formaldehyde than UF products. PF and MDI products are often labeled as “exterior grade” or “moisture resistant” since they are more resistant to water vapor. If possible, use non-toxic alternatives such as wood with a natural oil coating e.g."OSMO", stainless steel, etc.

Provide adequate and continuous ventilation of indoor spaces. Open windows or use an exhaust fan to blow indoor air out and bring in fresh air. When using cleaners and paints, remember to ventilate the indoor space.

Ventilate new furniture. Many consumer products that release formaldehyde release their highest concentrations when they are new. Allow it to ventilate for 2-3 days before installing or bringing it indoors. This is called "off-gassing".

Wash permanent-press draperies and other textiles before use. Formaldehyde is used in the production of special fabrics, and laundering can reduce formaldehyde emissions from these fabrics by about 60%. This will also help minimize skin irritation from formaldehyde.

Control heat and humidity: Reduce the temperature and humidity in your home with air conditioning and dehumidification. Formaldehyde release increases as air temperature and humidity increase.