What is formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring, colorless, strong smelling gas used in many household products including paints, varnishes, adhesives, cleaning products, and cosmetics. It is the key ingredient to many plastic resins such as phenol formaldehyde and urea formaldehyde – both commonly used as finishing treatments for many textiles and paper products, and in many building materials such as plywood and MDF. It is perhaps most commonly known as the chemical used in embalming. Other known sources include cigarette smoke and the burning of fossil fuels such as kerosene. There are trace amounts of naturally-occurring formaldehyde in wood itself. Even people off-gas a little formaldehyde!

Why should I be worried?

While off-gassing will happen, it's important to know exactly how much is too much. This is measured in parts per million (ppm) or parts per billion (ppb).

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), average levels for formaldehyde in outdoor air are roughly 3 ppb while indoor air can range from 17- 332 ppb with 300 ppb considered a "higher" normal level. Acute health symptoms often arise when exposure is near 800 ppb, but sensitive and allergic individuals often experience problems when levels are only at 100 ppb.

What does it do?

More than 90% of inhaled formaldehyde is absorbed into the upper respiratory tract causing mild symptoms such as burning and irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, asthma, nausea, dizziness, headaches, memory impairment, and breathing problems. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has identified formaldehyde as a "known human carcinogen" and in cases of prolonged exposure it has been linked to a rare type of nasopharyngeal cancer, and to some instances of myeloid type leukemias.

For more information visit the CDC and EPA.

How long has this been an issue?

In 1982 the U.S. Consumer Products Commission banned the use of UFFI insulation in homes due to its high levels of formaldehyde emissions. Since 1985 HUD has required pressed wood products within manufactured homes to emit no more than 0.3 ppm. However, in the past two years formaldehyde made headlines again after victims of hurricane Katrina began experiencing adverse health effects in connection with the high levels found within their FEMA issued trailers.

This in turn has prompted an even more stringent demand on the need for emission guidelines. On January 1, 2009, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) enacted new standards limiting emissions to 0.21 ppm for MDF, 0.18 ppm for particleboard, and 0.08 for hardwood plywood. These standards are slated to lower emissions even further by 2010.

What can I do?

Many materials cease to off-gas after a number of years, emitting the highest levels when new. Materials made using cheap manufacturing processes (such as those commonly imported from Asian countries) can often have even higher amounts of formaldehyde. Additionally, increased humidity, temperature, and a lack of proper ventilation can also increase emissions.

The best way to reduce your exposure is by eliminating it at the source. Using no added urea formaldehyde products, such as PureBond®, ensures that you're making the smartest choice for your home and family.

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