Formaldeyhyde
What is Formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is a colorless, gaseous chemical compound that is generally present at low, variable concentrations in both indoor and outdoor air. It is emitted by many construction materials and consumer products that contain formaldehyde-based glues, resins, preservatives, and bonding agents. Formaldehyde also is an ingredient in foam that was used for home insulating until the early 1980s.
Where is Formaldehyde found in the home?
Sources of formaldehyde in the home include smoke, household products, and unvented fuel- burning appliances (like gas stoves or kerosene space heaters). Formaldehyde, by itself or in combination with other chemicals, serves a number of purposes in manufactured products. For example, it is used to add permanent press qualities to clothing and draperies, as a component of glues and adhesives, and as a preservative in some paints and coating products.
In homes, the most significant sources of formaldehyde are likely to be in the adhesives used to bond pressed wood building materials and in plywood used for interior or exterior construction. Ureaformaldehyde (UF) resins are found in wood products that are intended for indoor use.
Phenol- formaldehyde (PF) resins are used in products intended for exterior uses. UF resins emit significantly more formaldehyde gas than PF resins. Certain foam insulating materials once widely used in housing construction (urea formaldehyde foam or UFFI) also contain large amounts of formaldehyde. While contractors have voluntarily stopped using UFFI foam insulation, the material is present in many homes that were originally insulated with UFFI.
What health risks are associated with Formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde has been shown to cause cancer in animals, but there is no definitive evidence linking the chemical to cancer in humans. Higher-than-normal levels of formaldehyde in the home atmosphere can trigger asthma attacks in individuals who have this condition. Other health hazards attributed to formaldehyde include skin rashes; watery eyes; burning sensations in the eyes, throat, and nasal passages; and breathing difficulties. Most persons will first react to formaldehyde when the levels are in the range of 0.1 to 1.1 parts per million. Some individuals acquire a reduced tolerance to formaldehyde following their initial exposure to the gas. In these instances, subsequent exposures to even small amounts of formaldehyde will cause reactions.
Do some kinds of homes carry a greater Formaldehyde health risk than others?
Yes, materials containing formaldehyde were used extensively in the construction of certain prefabricated and manufactured homes. Since 1985, the federal government, through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, has enforced regulations that sharply curtail the use of materials containing formaldehyde in these types of housing to the lower-emitting products. However, use of formaldehyde compounds is still widespread in the manufacture of furniture, cabinets, and other building materials.
What can be done to reduce Formaldehyde levels in a home?
Reducing formaldehyde levels in the home can be a simple or complex task depending on the source of the gas. Initial procedures often include steps to increase ventilation and improve circulation of outside air through the home. If new furniture, drapery, or other sources are contributing to higher-than-normal levels of formaldehyde, removal of these items (or limiting the number of new items introduced into the home) may be all that is needed.
In some instances, home sub flooring or walls may be the source of formaldehyde, or foam insulation between inner and outer walls may be emitting the gas. If increased ventilation does not produce acceptable results in these instances, homeowners may be required to remove the formaldehyde-bearing material. Such procedures will be costly, time-consuming, and temporarily disruptive of life in the home.
How can I tell if the home I wish to buy contains Formaldehyde-bearing materials?
In the case of a new home, you should consult with the builder before you purchase the house if you suspect the presence of materials that emit high levels of formaldehyde. Most builders will be able to tell you if construction materials contain urea-formaldehyde or they may direct you to manufacturers who can provide information about specific products. In the case of an older home, formaldehyde- emitting materials may not be visually evident and the current owners may not have specific product information. Because formaldehyde emissions from building materials decrease as the materials age (particularly over the first two or three years), older urea- formaldehyde building materials most probably will not be a significant source of formaldehyde emissions.
If you suspect the presence of formaldehyde, you may wish to hire a qualified building inspector to examine the home for the presence of formaldehyde-emitting materials. In addition, home monitoring kits are currently available for testing formaldehyde levels in the home. Be sure that the testing device will monitor for a minimum of 24 hours to assure that the sampling period is truly representative.
You also may contact your state-specific indoor environments resources by clicking the following link State and Regional Contact Information http://www.epa.gov/iaq/whereyoulive.html .
RESOURCES
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Formaldehyde
U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health Administration: Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde: From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry: ToxFAQs for Formaldehyde
This fact sheet answers the most frequently asked health questions about formaldehyde.
National Cancer Institute: Formaldehyde and Cancer—Questions and Answers
The majority of the content on this web site is taken from the Global Insight report, “The Economic Benefits of Formaldehyde to the United States and Canadian Economies,” August 2005. Additional sources include FCI fact sheets, backgrounders and member company brochures.
MSNBC—Are FEMA Trailers ‘Toxic Tin Cans’?
Private testing finds high levels of formaldehyde; residents report illnesses.