|
Indoor
Air Quality
•
Contacts
Learn more about
•
Office of
Environmental Health, Safety, and Toxicology
•
Other Environmental Health Programs & Services
|
|
Formaldehyde
What is formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde,
or HCHO, is a colorless, flammable gas with a pungent odor.
It is used in the production of pressed wood products (urea resins in
plywood wall paneling, particleboard, and fiberboard), fertilizer,
permanent press products and other textiles, paper, and glues. It is
also produced during the burning of organic materials and is a part of
tobacco smoke.
How can I be exposed to formaldehyde?
-
Environmental air pollution, smog.
-
Cigarette smoke and other tobacco products.
-
Gas cookers and open fireplaces.
-
Working in industries which use formaldehyde (such as factories or
laboratories).
-
Off gassing from manufactured wood products used in new mobile homes.
-
Household sources, such as fiberglass, carpets, permanent press fabrics,
paper products, and some cleaners.
How can formaldehyde affect my health?
Exposure to formaldehyde can cause
eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation. It can also cause wheezing and
coughing, headache, nausea, and severe allergic reactions. People with
asthma or other respiratory problems may be more sensitive to the
effects of inhaling formaldehyde. There is evidence that some people can
develop a sensitivity to formaldehyde after routinely being exposed to
low levels of it over a period of time (these people developed asthma
symptoms and skin reactions). Formaldehyde has also been show to cause
cancer in animals and is listed as a probable human carcinogen, meaning
that it may cause cancer in people.
How can I reduce my exposure to
formaldehyde?
-
Use "exterior-grade"
pressed wood products (they don't emit as much formaldehyde gas
because they contain phenol resins, not urea resins).
-
Formaldehyde levels are
usually higher indoors than outdoors. Increase ventilation by
opening windows and using fans to bring fresh are indoors,
especially after bringing new sources of formaldehyde into the home.
-
Use air conditioning
and dehumidifiers to maintain moderate temperature and reduce
humidity levels.
-
Seal unfinished
manufactured wood surfaces.
-
Wash permanent press
clothing before wearing.
-
Don't use unvented
heaters indoors.
-
Don't smoke indoors.
More information
EPA's Introduction to
Indoor Air Quality - Formaldehyde
ATSDR's ToxFAQs for
Formaldehyde
|
|
