Formaldehyde

What is formaldehyde?

• It is a colourless gas with a pungent smell at high concentration

Sources

• Household products, but mainly from new carpeting, upholstery and drapes
• Insulation, especially mobile homes
• Pressed-wood products made with urea-formaldehyde resins
• Cigarette smoking

Health effects

• Bad smell
• Headaches
• Irritation to the eyes
• Irritation to the lungs
• Rashes
• Exposure of animals to high concentration can cause nasal cancer

How to reduce formaldehyde levels in buildings

• Avoid building materials, furnishings or other products that emit formaldehyde
• New furniture should be aired out for several days or weeks before they are admitted indoors
• Increase ventilation of the building
• Reduce humidity and temperature as high humidity and temperature increase formaldehyde emission.