A colourless gas, when at room temperature is an extremely pungent suffocating aroma. It is a highly reactive gas, classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC). The term volatile means that the compounds vaporize i.e., become a gas at room temperature. The gas can be found in wood building materials, plastics, textiles, personal care products, paint, carpets, cleaning products and adhesives.
Background Information on Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde was discovered in 1859. The raw material was methanol extracted from the charcoaling of wood. The rate at which products like pressed wood or textiles release formaldehyde can change. As the product ages, formaldehyde emissions will generally decrease. When the products are new, humidity and high indoor temperatures can cause increased release of formaldehyde from these products. In the beginning of the ‘90s, formaldehyde emission from particle board was a large problem, caused by the fact that the glue containing formaldehyde had not fully hardened in the finished products.
Health effects from exposure to Formaldehyde
The gas may cause a burning sensation in the eyes and throat, nasal and upper respiratory tract irritation, wheezing, nausea, fatigue, skin rash, severe allergic reactions and difficulty breathing in some humans exposed to elevated levels (above 0.1 parts per million). Others may not be affected at all, or differently from the same situations. Higher concentration levels may trigger attacks in people with asthma. There is also evidence that some people can develop a sensitivity to formaldehyde over time. Research has been done to show that increased formaldehyde levels in humans and animals may cause cancer. In 1987, OSHA passed a law that reduced the amount of formaldehyde to which workers can be exposed over an 8-hour work day. It went from a very dangerous level of 3 ppm to 1 ppm. Then in May of 1992, the law was amended to reduce the formaldehyde exposure limit to 0.75 ppm.
Why is Formaldehyde Dangerous?
Although the short-term health effects of formaldehyde exposure are well known, less is known about its potential long-term health effects
. Current knowledge of the properties of formaldehyde strongly indicates that the substance has a risk of cancer to human beings and animals if the subject has spent long, extended amounts of time with accelerated concentration levels over a lifetime. At the same time, such high concentration levels gives way to heavy irritation and damage of the mucous membrane in, for example, the nose. Occurrence of chronic, prolonged damage of the mucous membrane is considered to be a necessary requirement for cancer development.
Tips on How to reduce exposure
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When purchasing pressed wood products (particleboard, MDF, or hardwood plywood), look for products that carry standards indicating lower formaldehyde emission levels.
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(Particleboard should conform to ANSI A208.1-1993. For particleboard flooring, look forANSI grades "PBU", "D2", or "D3". MDF should comply with ANSI A208.2-1994; and hardwood plywood with ANSI/HPVA HP-1-1994).
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Use "exterior-grade" pressed wood products (lower-emitting because they contain phenol resins, not urea resins).
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Increase ventilation in the home by opening doors and windows and installing exhaust fan(s)
particularly after bringing new sources of formaldehyde into the home
.
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Seal non-laminated surfaces of formaldehyde containing products with paints, varnish, or polyurethane-like materials. Seal completely with materials that do not contain formaldehyde. Note: some paints and coatings emit VOCs when curing so properly ventilate during and after treatment.
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Purchase furniture containing a higher percentage of paneled, laminated, or coated surfaces. Non-laminated panels of pressed wood products generally emit more formaldehyde.
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Use air conditioning and dehumidifiers to maintain moderate temperature and reduce humidity levels.
* The following material was provided by APA is a nonprofit trade association that has grown and evolved with the engineered wood industry. It is based in Tacoma on the edge of the softwood forests of the Pacific North West of America. Founded in 1933 as the Douglas Fir Plywood Association, and later known as the American Plywood Association, it finally became APA – The Engineered Wood Association to better reflect the range of products manufactured by APA members. To read more about the APA or Formaldehyde please visit their website at http://www.performancepanels.com/?content=app_pp_atr_form