Formaldehyde

What is formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a colorless and flammable gas.  Formaldehyde has a distinct odor that you can smell at very low concentrations. It is a volatile organic compound (VOC) (means that it vaporizes gases at room temperature) that causes cancer and other harmful health effects. Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring chemical. However, at high concentrations, formaldehyde vapors are dangerous.

What are the sources of formaldehyde indoors?

Formaldehyde is used in the production of many products. It is used to produce wood, paper, plywood, glues and adhesives, permanent press fabrics, some paints and coatings, and certain insulation materials. It is also found in many consumer products, including cosmetics, dish soaps, medicines, leather treatments and fabric softeners.

Formaldehyde is present both indoors and outdoors. However, formaldehyde levels are usually much higher indoors. Because formaldehyde is volatile, which means it evaporates easily, it is released into the air from many products inside the home. High humidity and high temperatures speed up the release of formaldehyde.

Smoking indoors produces high concentrations of formaldehyde. Burning wood products, fuel, paper and other products is also an important source of formaldehyde.

What are the health effects of formaldehyde in indoor air?

Formaldehyde causes cancer. Evidence shows formaldehyde can cause a rare cancer of the nasopharynx, which is the upper part of the throat behind the nose.

Formaldehyde irritates the nose, eyes and throat. These irritations can happen when exposed to low levels of formaldehyde. Other short-term effects include headache, runny nose, nausea and difficulty breathing. Exposure may cause wheezing, asthma attacks and other respiratory symptoms.

Individuals vary in how they respond to formaldehyde. Some people have a natural allergic sensitivity to airborne formaldehyde and others may develop an allergy as a result of skin contact with liquid formaldehyde.

How can you protect your health?

There are a few simple ways to protect yourself from formaldehyde indoors.

• Chose low-formaldehyde products when building or remodeling. Furniture and pressed-wood board made with laminated surfaces release less formaldehyde and other VOCs. If possible, use non-toxic alternatives to formaldehyde-containing products like glue and adhesives.
• Ventilate indoor spaces. Open windows or use exhaust fans to blow indoor air out and bring fresh air in. Remember to ventilate indoor spaces when using cleaners, paints or cosmetic products like nail polish remover.
• Air out new furniture and pressed-wood products. Many consumer products that emit formaldehyde, such as plywood and particle board, release the highest concentrations when they are new. Air them out for 2-3 days before installing them or bringing them indoors. This is called off-gassing.
• Don't allow smoking or vaping indoors. Not smoking or vaping indoors can reduce exposure to formaldehyde. Secondhand smoke contains many chemicals in addition to formaldehyde that can harm health.
• Wash permanent press clothing before wearing. Formaldehyde is used in the production of special fabrics.