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.
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