Formaldehyde Removal

What is formaldehyde?

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Formaldehyde is a colourless, flammable gas at room temperature and has a strong odour. Exposure to formaldehyde may cause adverse health effects.

-US EPA

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Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling gas used in making building materials and many household products. It is used in pressed-wood products, such as particleboard, plywood, and fiberboard; glues and adhesives; permanent-press fabrics; paper product coatings; and certain insulation materials. It is also used to make other chemicals.

-American Cancer Society

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Where can formaldehyde be found?

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Formaldehyde can be found in:

• Resins used in the manufacture of composite wood products (i.e., hardwood plywood, particleboard and medium-density fibreboard);

• Building materials and insulation;

• Household products such as glues, permanent press fabrics, paints and coatings, lacquers and finishes, and paper products;

• Preservatives used in some medicines, cosmetics and other consumer products such as dishwashing liquids and fabric softeners; and

• Fertilizers and pesticides.

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Health effects of formaldehyde

Short term exposure to certain concentration of formaldehyde can cause irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. Long term high levels of exposure may cause some types of cancers. EPA listed formaldehyde as a probable carcinogen.

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Hence, it is vital to remove or reduce formaldehyde to low concentration especially after renovation.

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In 2013, NEA received 12 complaints from building owners over health discomfort caused by renovation work. In some of these complaints, chemical pollutants like VOCs and formaldehyde were found to be at levels 10 times higher than the acceptable limit

-NEA