Hidden in Your Home: Understanding Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a common but harmful pollutant in homes. Learn how to identify and reduce exposure to improve indoor air quality.
WORDS Elissa Rose
A ProPublica investigation has spotlighted formaldehyde as a silent but pervasive threat, naming it the most significant cancer-causing airborne pollutant in the United States. Once known as the ‘Embalmer’s Friend’ for its use in mortuaries, this colorless, pungent gas is far more common than most people realize, lingering in everyday items like building materials, furniture and household products. Despite its invisibility, formaldehyde quietly undermines indoor air quality and exposes millions to serious health risks. To protect our homes and wellbeing, it’s crucial to understand where formaldehyde comes from, why it’s dangerous and how to reduce our exposure effectively.
Why Is Formaldehyde Dangerous?
Formaldehyde is classified as a carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Chronic exposure to this Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) is linked to cancers such as leukemia and nasopharyngeal cancer. Beyond its cancer-causing potential, formaldehyde has other health impacts. It can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, trigger asthma attacks, and lead to chronic respiratory conditions.
At lower exposure levels, symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and fatigue are common, often mistaken for minor ailments. The compound’s widespread use makes its presence hard to detect, contributing to prolonged exposure without intervention.
The ubiquity of formaldehyde in modern homes stems from its role in manufacturing. Common sources include:
Building Materials
Formaldehyde is widely used in the construction industry due to its strong adhesive properties and cost-effectiveness. Pressed wood products such as particleboard, plywood, and medium-density fibreboard (MDF) are particularly significant sources, as they often contain urea-formaldehyde resins that release formaldehyde over time. These materials are commonly used in walls, cabinetry and furniture, making them hard to avoid. Insulation materials, like urea-formaldehyde foam, also contribute to indoor formaldehyde levels, particularly in older homes where such insulation was widely used.
Furniture and Flooring
Furniture and flooring made from composite wood products, such as MDF or particleboard, are consistent emitters of formaldehyde. These materials are often used because they are cheaper and more versatile than solid wood, but they can release formaldehyde for years after manufacturing. Certain laminate and engineered flooring options made with high-emitting adhesives and finishes can release formaldehyde and other VOCs, contributing to indoor air pollution, especially in new or recently renovated homes.
Textiles and Upholstery
Formaldehyde is used in the treatment of textiles to provide wrinkle-resistant, shrink-proof, or stain-repellent properties. Rayon, blended cotton, corduroy, polyester and any synthetic blended polymer were identified by the American Contact Dermatitis Society as likely to have been treated with formaldehyde resins. Common fabrics like polyester, nylon, rayon and acrylic are often treated with stain- or wrinkle-resistant coatings that release formaldehyde. Items such as curtains, sofas and rugs made from these materials can worsen indoor air quality over time.
Household Products
A surprising number of everyday household products contain formaldehyde or ingredients that release it over time. Cleaning agents, adhesives and paints are some of the more obvious culprits, but even less suspect items like air fresheners, disinfectants and detergents may emit small amounts of formaldehyde. Personal care products, including shampoos, conditioners and some cosmetics, can also contain formaldehyde-releasing preservatives such as DMDM hydantoin and quaternium-15, exposing individuals through skin contact and inhalation.
Cigarette Smoke and Combustion Sources
Tobacco smoke is a significant source of formaldehyde, not only for smokers but also for non-smokers through second-hand smoke exposure. Gas-burning appliances, such as stoves, ovens and heaters, can also release formaldehyde, particularly if they are poorly maintained or used without adequate ventilation. These sources contribute to the compound’s presence in the home, especially in areas with limited airflow or insufficient exhaust systems.
Practical Tips to Reduce Formaldehyde in Your Home
Mitigating formaldehyde exposure requires vigilance and proactive measures. Here are some practical tips:
- Improve Ventilation: Increase airflow by opening windows and using exhaust fans, especially when working with new materials or cleaning products. Invest in an energy recovery ventilator (ERV) for consistent indoor air exchange.
- Use Air Purifiers: Air purifiers equipped with activated carbon filters can help remove VOCs like formaldehyde from indoor air. Ensure your purifier is rated for the size of your room and ensure you maintain it and change the filter regularly for optimal effectiveness.
- Choose Safer Materials: Opt for low-emission or no-formaldehyde products when selecting furniture, flooring, or cabinetry. Look for certifications such as CARB Phase 2 or Greenguard Gold. Avoid pressed wood products whenever possible and choose solid wood alternatives.. Also considering switching to natural products. Replace conventional cleaning agents with natural alternatives free of VOCs. Choose organic, untreated textiles and avoid synthetic finishes.
- Seal and Encapsulate Sources: If replacing high-emission materials isn’t feasible, apply water-based sealants, such as AFM Safecoat or shellac products, to exposed surfaces of pressed wood products to minimize off-gassing. Should you choose to use a rug, wool is a safe and effective alternative as it’s naturally fire-resistant, free from harmful chemical treatments and helps regulate indoor air quality.
- Acclimate New Products Outdoors: Allow new furniture or building materials to off-gas outside or in a well-ventilated area before bringing them indoors. UV rays from the sun can dramatically reduce this.
- Test Indoor Air Quality: Consider using an indoor air quality monitor to detect formaldehyde levels. Professional testing services are also an option for more precise measurements.
Formaldehyde’s prevalence in our homes, coupled with its potent health risks, demands immediate attention. The findings of the ProPublica study serve as a wake-up call to re-evaluate the materials and products we bring into our spaces. By adopting safer choices, improving ventilation, and addressing high-risk sources, we can create healthier indoor environments and reduce our long-term exposure to this dangerous compound. A proactive approach not only protects our wellbeing but also promotes safer living for future generations.
Feature Image: Светлана Лазаренко /Adobe
Further Info
EPA Facts About Formaldehyde EWG’s Healthy Home Guide Formaldehyde in the Home Reducing Formaldehyde at Home
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