Formaldehyde
WHAT DO YOU MEAN?
Formaldehyde, in my home?
Formaldehyde is a colorless and acrid gas often used in the manufacturing of common household items.
One of the most toxic and carcinogenic pollutants you can breathe in, it's found in adhesives, wood products (such as plywood), new carpets, furniture pieces, paints, gas stoves, pet care products, insulation materials and more.
When something gives off formaldehyde, it is released into the air through a process called off-gassing.
Even though there are higher concentrations of formaldehyde in homes with new products or newly constructed parts, it's safe to say that some formaldehyde is commonly present in most homes- found in furniture to cosmetics.
What happens then?
We are most often exposed to formaldehyde via inhalation, when off-gassing releases it into the air. Classified as a Group 1 agent by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) for its demonstrated effects on the human respiratory tract, the effects of exposure to formaldehyde causes more than just irritation to eyes and skin.
Research has proven that some people develop a sensitivity to formaldehyde after regular exposure to it, and certain concentrations of it may trigger asthma attacks causing even severe allergic reactions like coughing, wheezing, fatigue, rashes and more.
What can I do?
The most surest ways to reduce your exposure to formaldehyde is:
- To buy only products that are labeled as ‘No VOCs’ or ‘Low VOCs’.
- Do not allow cigarette smoking in your home.
- Open up all the windows to air out the house regularly.
- Install exhaust fans to remove stale indoor air for added circulation.
- Ensure that combustion appliance area is well ventilated.
Alternatively, (and the easiest way, really!) engage the help of a professional specialized in VOC/formaldehyde removal to check in on and get rid of the problem. Here’s what to look out for before deciding on who to hire:
There should always be an assessment done on-site first, by a certified and experienced surveyor.
The consultation should include details like the quantity of formaldehyde present, and specific steps that will be taken to lower/ eradicate that.
Testing should always be done when treatment is over. Numbers don’t lie.
