Kiera Jefferson
Formaldehyde is a colourless gas that is flammable and highly reactive at room temperature. It is a common indoor air pollutant that can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs, and trigger asthma attacks. Formaldehyde is present both indoors and outdoors, but levels are usually much higher indoors. This is because formaldehyde is released into the air from many household products, such as pressed wood, paints, adhesives, and personal care products. High humidity and high temperatures increase formaldehyde levels, and smoking indoors also produces high concentrations of formaldehyde.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Formaldehyde concentration in European kindergartens | 1.5 to 50 μg/m3 |
| Formaldehyde concentration in Japanese schools in winter and summer | 14 μg/m3 and 30 μg/m3 |
| Formaldehyde concentration in offices in public buildings in Europe | 3 to 33 μg/m3 |
| Formaldehyde concentration in office buildings in southern Finland | 11 μg/m3 and 44 μg/m3 |
| Formaldehyde concentration in Canadian homes | 10 to 40 μg/m3 or 8 to 32 ppb |
| Formaldehyde concentration in older homes without UFFI | Below 0.1 ppm |
| Formaldehyde concentration in homes with new pressed wood products | Greater than 0.3 ppm |
| Sources of indoor air pollution from formaldehyde | Pressed wood products, foam insulation, wallpaper, paints, synthetic fabrics, cosmetics, combustion of natural gas, kerosene, gasoline, wood, tobacco, automobile exhaust, and more |
| Health effects of indoor air pollution from formaldehyde | Eye, nose, and throat irritation, wheezing, coughing, fatigue, skin rash, severe allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and cancer |
| Ways to reduce indoor air pollution from formaldehyde | Use low-emitting pressed wood products, control temperature and humidity, avoid smoking indoors, ventilate indoor spaces, use low-VOC or formaldehyde-free products, air out new furniture, and remove sources of formaldehyde |
What You'll Learn
Pressed wood products
Formaldehyde is commonly found in pressed wood products such as plywood, particle board, paneling, sub-flooring, shelving, cabinetry, furniture, and decorative wall coverings. Medium-density fiberboard, which is used for drawer fronts, cabinets, and furniture tops, is particularly high in formaldehyde.
When purchasing pressed wood products, it is important to look for those that are labelled as compliant with ANSI or California Air Resources Board Air Toxics Control Measure (CARB-ATCM) standards. These products have lower formaldehyde emissions. For example, exterior-grade pressed wood products, which are typically used outdoors, contain phenol resins instead of urea resins and emit less formaldehyde.
To reduce exposure to formaldehyde from pressed wood products, it is recommended to allow the products to off-gas by removing the packaging and airing them out before bringing them into a home. Increasing ventilation and using air conditioning and dehumidifiers to maintain moderate temperatures and reduce humidity can also help lower formaldehyde concentrations.
While formaldehyde is a concern, it is important to note that small concentrations are not harmful. The biggest problem is often a lack of proper ventilation, which can be improved by increasing the supply of fresh air.
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Smoking and vaping
Smoking
Tobacco smoking, particularly indoors, is a major source of formaldehyde in the indoor environment. When tobacco is burned, formaldehyde is produced as a byproduct. This means that smoking cigarettes or other tobacco products indoors contributes significantly to the indoor concentration of formaldehyde.
Vaping
Vaping, or the use of e-cigarettes, has also been found to produce formaldehyde. Studies have identified the presence of formaldehyde-containing hemiacetals in the vaping process. These molecules are known formaldehyde-releasing agents. The levels of formaldehyde released through vaping can vary depending on the nicotine concentration of the e-liquid and the power settings of the device. Lower nicotine concentrations and higher power settings can lead to increased formaldehyde exposure due to changes in puffing behavior and increased liquid consumption.
Additionally, the type of e-liquid used can impact formaldehyde levels. For example, propylene glycol and glycerol, commonly used in e-liquids, can react to produce formaldehyde during vaporization.
Health Risks
Formaldehyde exposure, whether from smoking or vaping, poses potential health risks. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen, capable of causing cancer, particularly of the nasopharynx. It can also cause irritation to the nose, eyes, and throat, as well as headaches, runny noses, nausea, and difficulty breathing.
Reducing Exposure
To reduce exposure to formaldehyde from smoking and vaping, it is recommended to avoid smoking or vaping indoors. Proper ventilation and air conditioning can also help lower formaldehyde levels by reducing temperature and humidity, which influence the release of formaldehyde. Choosing low-formaldehyde products and non-toxic alternatives can further minimize exposure.
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Burning wood, fuel, paper
Burning wood, fuel, and paper can contribute to indoor air pollution from formaldehyde. While it is a traditional and comforting practice for many, wood burning can have significant health and environmental impacts.
Formaldehyde is a colourless gas with a strong smell that is classified as a known carcinogen. It is produced as a byproduct of combustion when burning natural gas, kerosene, gasoline, wood, or tobacco. As such, burning wood, fuel, or paper can release formaldehyde into the indoor air, contributing to indoor air pollution.
Residential wood burning, in particular, has been identified as a significant source of indoor air pollution. It is estimated that wood is used as a source of heat in around 11 million US homes, with 2.2 million relying on it as their primary source. This practice can lead to increased indoor concentrations of harmful pollutants, including formaldehyde. Fireplaces and wood stoves can emit harmful pollutants, including formaldehyde, into indoor spaces.
To reduce exposure to formaldehyde and other combustion by-products, proper ventilation is crucial. Combustion sources, such as stoves and heaters, should be fully vented to the outdoors to minimise the release of pollutants indoors. Additionally, maintaining a moderate temperature and reducing humidity levels through air conditioning and dehumidifiers can help lower formaldehyde emissions.
When burning wood, it is recommended to use pellets and dry wood, as they tend to burn cleaner and more efficiently than other types of wood. Softwood is ideal for starting a fire as it burns quickly and gets hot rapidly, after which switching to hardwood can sustain the fire. It is important to avoid burning anything other than dry wood, fireplace logs, or non-glossy white paper to minimise the release of harmful pollutants, including formaldehyde.
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Personal care products
Formaldehyde is a colourless gas that is highly reactive at room temperature. It is a common indoor air pollutant and is easily released into the air through a process called off-gassing. It is used in the production of many products, including personal care products.
Formaldehyde is also released into the air from products containing formaldehyde that are used in the home, such as plywood, particleboard, glues, adhesives, paints, coatings, and insulation. These products are likely to be the most significant sources of formaldehyde in the home.
To reduce exposure to formaldehyde, it is important to ventilate indoor spaces, especially when using products that contain formaldehyde. Choosing low-formaldehyde products and non-toxic alternatives can also help.
The health effects of formaldehyde exposure include eye, nose, and throat irritation, wheezing, coughing, fatigue, skin rash, and severe allergic reactions. Formaldehyde has also been identified as a toxic air contaminant and has been shown to cause cancer in animals and potentially in humans.
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Paints and coatings
Formaldehyde is used in the production of paints and coatings as a preservative. When these products are brought into a home, they can release formaldehyde through a process called off-gassing, particularly as the products dry or cure. This can be exacerbated by low air exchange rates, higher temperatures, and humidity.
To reduce exposure to formaldehyde from paints and coatings, it is recommended to increase ventilation, especially when painting or when bringing new sources of formaldehyde into the home. This can be done by opening windows, using fans, or running an air conditioner or air purifier. It is also important to read the labels on all products and follow the manufacturer's advice on ventilation and usage instructions.
In addition, allowing products to off-gas before bringing them into an enclosed space can help reduce formaldehyde emissions. This can be done by removing the packaging and allowing the products to air out in a well-ventilated area for at least 72 hours before use. It may also be beneficial to purchase products that are labelled as 'no' or 'low' VOC or formaldehyde. These simple measures can help reduce the potential health risks associated with formaldehyde exposure from paints and coatings.
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Frequently asked questions
Formaldehyde is a colourless gas commonly found in the environment due to natural processes like forest fires and industrial emissions. It is also released into the air through combustion, such as when burning natural gas, kerosene, gasoline, wood, or tobacco.
Formaldehyde is released from many products inside the home, including pressed-wood products, foam insulation, paints, and some synthetic fabrics. It is also found in some cosmetics and personal care products, such as shampoos, soaps, hair care products, and body washes.
Formaldehyde levels are influenced by temperature and humidity, with higher temperatures and humidity increasing formaldehyde levels through a process called off-gassing. Ventilation also plays a role, as inadequate ventilation can lead to higher formaldehyde concentrations.
To reduce formaldehyde exposure, increase ventilation by opening windows or using exhaust fans. Choose low-formaldehyde products, such as furniture with laminated surfaces, and avoid smoking or vaping indoors. Wash permanent press clothing before wearing, as formaldehyde is used in the production of these fabrics.
Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and has been linked to a rare type of cancer of the nasal cavity in individuals with prolonged exposure to high concentrations. It can also cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, wheezing, coughing, fatigue, skin rash, and severe allergic reactions. Children and individuals with asthma may be particularly sensitive to formaldehyde.
