We are in the process of building a house right now and while we are trying to use the best materials possible, it is common knowledge that many building materials contain high amounts of formaldehyde.
Doctors even have a name for exposure – Sick Building Syndrome. Typically buildings that have a lot of chemicals oozing out of the materials into the air are called Sick Buildings because they can create health issues for their inhabitants. Formaldehyde is just one of many chemicals, but because of the widespread use of it – it is in just about everything.
Formaldehyde Exposure
Basically from the research I have done, avoiding formaldehyde exposure is just about impossible as it is used in…
“Wood products with particle board/fiberboard and plywood , sheet vinyl flooring, fiberglass insulation, latex paint, glues, carpet pads/backings, draperies, upholstery, wallpaper, formica counter tops, furniture, and automobile interiors. Household antiseptics, germicides, and fungicides, coated paper products, grocery bags, paper plates, paper towels, air fresheners, rug and upholstery cleaners, scatter rugs and bath mats, resin-coated rugs, toilet bowl cleaners, water softening chemicals, felt tip markers, dish-washing liquids, fabric softeners, carpet cleaners many soft plastics, cosmetics, shampoos, hair conditioners, fingernail polish remover, permanent press fabrics, and tanned leather goods. Many vaccinations, wart remedies, cough drops, mouthwashes, etc.” (Source: Formaldehyde exposure in the home)
Preventing formaldehyde exposure
But just because it is such a widely used toxic product doesn’t mean that we should just give up. There are tips that we can take to minimize our exposure to it…
1. Start in the bedroom, since you spend so much of your time there. Look for furniture made from pressed wood and particleboard and move them to another part of your house. Since particleboard is one of the worst offenders, you shouldn’t have any exposed particleboard anywhere.
2. Begin to collect houseplants. Many houseplants are very helpful in absorbing formaldehyde.
3. Seal the surfaces and edges of cabinets with a non-toxic vapor barrier.
4. While they can be very expensive, installing a formaldehyde-capable air filter is a great idea as well.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
That is great info. I love reading about natural solutions to problems. Air purifiers can also be a great help in purifying the air of so many pollutants. There are many models of air purifiers to fit any budget. Plants are also great air purifiers as you state. I have lots around me.
Can you give me some help in finding some formaldehyde-capable air cleaners. Are they incorporated into your existing home air filtration systems? Or stand alones? We have installed laminate flooring in our home and now I am having asthma symptoms.
Thank you,
Sherri
Unfortunately, laminate flooring is a common source of formaldehyde. It is also a large area and directly in the breathing air so is often a significant source.
First step is to verify that there is a problem. A formaldehyde passive acs badge for $39 including lab analysis will tell you the concentration of formaldehyde. Simply slide the outer cover of the badge down exposing a series of small holes. Suspend in the center of the area being tested. 24-hours later slide the outer cover closed and mail. In a week you get the results.
There are many different recommendations on how much formaldehyde is acceptable. CA’s Office of Health Hazard Assements recommends 7 ppb. Studies show children have decreased lung function at 30 ppb and increased asthma at 60 ppb. Most adults negatively impacted at 100 ppb yet humans don’t smell formaldehyde until 500 ppb.
Depending on your concentration there are several thing you can consider:
1) Increase ventilation.
2) Keep the air cool and avoid sun contact as formaldehyde double with a 10 degree increase in temperature.
3) Apply a clear sealant each coat reduces formaldehyde in half. Three coats about 85% of the formaldehyde should be gone.
4) Remove the source. Difficult to remove a newly install laminate floor but what is your health worth?
5) Re-test to verify the level is acceptable.
6) Testing in the summer is also important. Turns out that much of the fiberglass insulation in the walls produces significantly more formaldehyde on hot summer days. Especially in rooms with an exterior wall that gets the afternoon sun. In hot sunny climates, 100 ppb from the wall insulation is unfortunately achievable.
Increasing the ventilation of the rooms will also help with minimizing the exposure