Formaldehyde: what is it?
Formaldehyde, a colourless gas, is one of many volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced as petrochemicals, and is present in products like glue, resin and varnish.
Formaldehyde: where is it found?
Building materials and furniture are the main sources of exposure to formaldehyde. Specifically, it is found in:
Particleboard, medium-density fibreboard (MDF) and hardwood plywood used to manufacture furniture, counters and cabinets;
Some types of paint, stain, varnish, glue and cleaning products;
Laminate floor coverings;
Fabrics (in curtains, carpets, etc.);
Wood smoke, etc
Good to know
Note that wood panelling used in construction, like softwood plywood and oriented strand board (OSB), emits very little formaldehyde. Prefer these products!
How can formaldehyde affect my health?
If anyone at home is complaining of repeated eye or throat irritation, there may be an excessive concentration of formaldehyde in the house or in one room in particular.
Formaldehyde is everywhere in the air we breathe; the real health problem is long-term exposure. Fortunately, the amounts of gas released from any one source will decrease over time, but no house is immune to these toxic fumes. The key is to remain vigilant, and ensure your home is well ventilated. Otherwise respiratory problems and allergies may develop, especially in children and people with environmental sensitivities.
A high (and potentially harmful) concentration corresponds, for example, to VOCs emitted when painting a wall. As long as exposure remains short-term, people in the same room should not experience any irritation. It’s best to keep children away for a while, however.
What can I do to prevent high concentrations of formaldehyde?
Avoiding excessively high concentrations of formaldehyde is a fairly simple matter: ensure good air circulation in all rooms at all times, relying on the range hood, bathroom fans and air exchanger when needed.
Also, control temperature and humidity in the house: the more the air is hot and humid, the more formaldehyde is emitted from furniture.
You can also act at the source, by cutting down as much as possible on furniture made from particleboard or MDF as well as on synthetic curtains and rugs, especially in children’s and infants’ rooms.
Good to know
Apply water-based sealant on uncovered edges of furniture made from particleboard to eliminate potential emissions.
Make health-conscious purchases
Shopping for new furniture, rugs or carpeting? Choose certified low-formaldehyde products. Look for the following labels:
The label No added formaldehyde (NAF) means that the adhesive used in the boards does not give off formaldehyde, but the wood in them does emit it naturally. The formaldehyde content of these boards is low or extremely low. Where a product contains several COVs including formaldehyde, the latter may not necessarily be specified. An overall COV level will be given.
You can also:
Opt for paint, stain, varnish, caulk and glue products that are water-based and low-toxicity. Store these products in an isolated part of the house, if possible, and dispose of them at an Ecocentre once their useful life is exceeded;
Choose area rugs instead of glued-down carpet;
Install floor coverings made of hardwood, ceramic or linoleum. If you choose laminate flooring, look for a low-VOC product that meets the European E0 and E1 standards or the U.S. Greenguard and Greenguard Gold standards.
Where can I learn more about formaldehyde?
Health Canada: Formaldehyde
Do you need personalized advice on your home?
Our Residential Advisory Services counsellors are there to answer your questions and support you when you need it. Ask for their advice as often as you like. It’s one of the benefits of membership.
