Formaldehyde

by Nick Gromicko and Rob London

Formaldehyde is a colorless, pungent-smelling chemical widely used in industries that manufacture building materials and numerous household products. Thus, it may be present in substantial concentrations in indoor environments.

Where indoors may formaldehyde be found?

pressed-wood products (such as hardwood plywood wall paneling, particle board and fiberboard), and furniture made with these pressed-wood products. Mobile homes are especially at risk for indoor formaldehyde pollution because of their abundance of composite wood in construction, and relatively compact interior space;
carpet backing and urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI). In the 1970s, many homes were insulated with UFFI as an energy-conservation measure before it was discovered that UFFI contained dangerously high levels of formaldehyde. Fortunately, formaldehyde emissions in this product decline over time, so older houses with UFFI are unlikely to have high levels of formaldehyde now. This insulation is not very common in modern housing;
tobacco smoke;
durable-press drapes and other textiles;
un-vented, fuel-burning appliances, such gas stoves and kerosene space heaters; and
glues.

Is it dangerous?

Four years after concern arose over high levels of formaldehyde found in some FEMA trailers, there is still a great deal of confusion regarding permissible levels of airborne formaldehyde in indoor environments.

Formaldehyde is known to cause the following conditions:

watery eyes;
burning sensations in the eyes and throat;
nausea;
wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing;
asthma attacks;
fatigue;
skin rash;
severe allergic reactions; and
cancer. Uncertainty remains as to how to compare measured air concentrations of formaldehyde to cancer incidence. No definitive "high risk" level can be drawn because many other factors besides formaldehyde exposure play a role in the development of cancer. In general, however, the lower the level and shorter the duration of exposure, the less risk of cancer and other health effects there are.

In 1992, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) declared formaldehyde a "toxic air contaminant," meaning that there is no safe level of exposure. In June 2004, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reclassified formaldehyde from “probably carcinogenic to humans” to “carcinogenic to humans,” specifically concerning nasopharyngeal (upper throat) cancer, while the National Toxicology Program (NTP) continues to classify formaldehyde as “reasonably anticipated to be a carcinogen in humans” for nasopharyngeal cancer.

Steps to Reduce Exposure

Use exterior-grade pressed-wood products (lower-emitting, because they contain phenol resins, not urea resins).
Use air conditioning and dehumidifiers to maintain a moderate temperature and reduce humidity levels.
Increase ventilation, particularly after bringing new sources of formaldehyde indoors.
Seal non-laminated surfaces of products containing formaldehyde with paints, varnish or polyurethane-like materials.

In summary, formaldehyde is an irritating and potentially dangerous gas that may accumulate in indoor environments.

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UFFI Insulation Inspection

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International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants (IAC2)

International Association of Certified Home Inspectors

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