Similar to that of a new car, the smell is an amalgam of chemicals that create this odor on items inside your home, and formaldehyde is a predominate chemical used within these items. Formaldehyde is a colorless chemical , that packs a strong pickle-like odor, that is commonly used in the manufacturing process for many household items like furniture, flooring, glues, and pressed-wood.
When formaldehyde is present in the environment, the chemical can have adverse effects on human health. The severity of the health effects can depend on the concentration of the chemical present and the length of the exposure.
Short-term exposure to this chemical can lead to immediate symptoms such as the following:. Whereas long-term exposure to formaldehyde can potentially lead to serious conditions such as cancer. Is that formaldehyde smell still lingering throughout your home and even producing a stronger odor than what you initially started with? Formaldehyde, when at room temperature, will convert into a gas that will start to expel from the item in your home.
Formaldehyde is known to be used within the following items found in a home; paints, coatings, plastic products, pesticides, cosmetics, leather goods, adhesives, glues, resins, synthetic fabrics, permanent press bedding, clothing, and even drapes found in the home. These sources of formaldehyde can be identified by six different household categories including the following:.
When selecting a new type of flooring to lay throughout the inside of your home, often one of the most desirable choices for homeowners is the cheap and comfortable carpeting that comes in a variety of colors, styles, and materials.
Although there are many advantages to carpeting, there are some potential risks that are present deep within the composition and installation of the carpeting within the indoor environment of your home.
Formaldehyde in carpet is commonly used in the adhesives and glues used during the installation process of the carpeting on the floors, and as the flooring acclimates into the indoor environment the chemical will turn into a gas and begin being released into the air through the off-gassing process.
The strength of the formaldehyde emissions in the home are the highest during the first 24 to 48 hours after installation but can progress for days and even weeks after the installation. As we discussed before, new furniture that is placed inside of a home is one of the highest sources of formaldehyde that can be found within this indoor environment. The wood, adhesives, and glues that are used in the manufacturing of these household items are the main components of the furniture that can contain formaldehyde within its composition.
Similar to carpeting, the formaldehyde found in new furniture will also go through the off-gassing process, releasing the chemical VOC into the air when it turns into a gas in room temperature conditions. Therefore, when purchasing new furniture for your home it is important to look for nontoxic furniture that contains little to no VOCs in its configuration.
Wood is a known source of VOCs that will emit these chemical compounds into the air upon the introduction of the wood into a home. Plywood, particleboard, and other pressed woods are known for containing this hazardous chemical and can release a substantial level of formaldehyde into the environment that will become airborne through off-gassing.
Wood can be used in cabinets, furniture, flooring, and even in building materials, which can all be found in excess throughout the home.
This will in turn increase the level of formaldehyde and contaminate the indoor air significantly. Formaldehyde is a potent irritant that can significantly affect and stir health issues upon exposure to most individuals. As this chemical turns into a gas in an indoor environment it can create an amalgam of symptoms including a burning sensation of the eyes, nose, and throat, along with other respiratory issues that are altered from the formaldehyde exposure.
An allergy to formaldehyde will typically occur through skin contact, especially products that contain formaldehyde that are placed on the human skin or through clothing that contains this toxic chemical from manufacturing processes. The primary route of exposure to formaldehyde is through breathing in the formaldehyde in the air.
Upon exposure to formaldehyde, humans will begin to experience significantly altered health and symptoms that will be triggered by this VOC. Where is formaldehyde found? For this reason, it is commonly found in a variety of consumer products including: Pressed-wood products plywood, particle board, paneling Foam insulation Wallpaper and paints Some synthetic fabrics example: permanent press Some cosmetics and personal products Formaldehyde is also a byproduct of combustion.
What are the health effects? Short-term exposure may result in immediate symptoms including: Eye, nose and throat irritation Coughing Headaches Dizziness and nausea Long-term exposure to formaldehyde may cause some types of cancer. Is the use of formaldehyde banned? How can I reduce formaldehyde levels in my home? When purchasing products that may contain formaldehyde, methods to lower your exposure include: Allow products to off-gas : Remove the packaging from products and allow them to air out before bringing them into your house.
Consider asking the manufacturer or store to leave the product unsealed in their warehouse for a few days before delivery. You may also consider purchasing a floor model where chemicals have already off-gassed. Ventilate your home : Increase the supply of fresh air to lower the concentration of formaldehyde.
This can be done by opening windows, using fans or bringing in fresh air through a central ventilation system such as a furnace air exchanger. Control the heat and humidity : Lower the temperature and humidity in the home through air conditioning and dehumidification. The amount of formaldehyde released goes up with increases in air temperature and humidity. After taking the precautionary steps listed above, you may consider the Molekule air purifier to help reduce levels of volatile organic chemicals VOCs like formaldehyde.
Its unique technology actually breaks down these chemicals at the molecular level, while other air purifiers like HEPA filters do not address them at all. Carbon air filters are another solution, though they do have the drawback of potentially off-gassing if the filter becomes saturated or environmental conditions change.
Independent lab testing has shown that the Molekule Photo Electrochemical Oxidation PECO technology will remove harmful chemicals like formaldehyde from the air. Low levels of formaldehyde exist in nearly all homes, and it may be impossible to entirely prevent the introduction of new amounts into the home.
If you or a family member is especially sensitive to airborne chemicals because of asthma or another respiratory illness, or if young children or older adults live in the home, it is important to consider ways to remove and reduce levels of formaldehyde in your home. Since you cannot completely avoid coming into contact with formaldehyde in your home, there is no need to be discouraged. Consider following the guidelines above; taking these steps may require an upfront investment of time but your health and the health of your family is worth it.
Air Quality. Air Purifier Technology. Inside Molekule. Buy Now. By Christina Vanvuren Contributor. June 7, What is formaldehyde and what causes formaldehyde in your home? What are the health effects of formaldehyde exposure? There are, however, some p eople who are more likely to be affected by breathing in even small amounts of formaldehyde: Young children Elderly people Pregnant women People with asthma, bronchitis or other respiratory illness or chronic condition Some symptoms of short-term exposure to formaldehyde in your home include: Cough Scratchy eyes Watery eyes Headaches Dizziness Nausea Nosebleeds Sore throat People with asthma , chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder COPD , or other respiratory illnesses may experience an increase in breathing problems when exposed to formaldehyde, even for short periods of time.
Where is formaldehyde found in your home? Where to check for formaldehyde in your bedroom Your bedroom should be a place where you can rest without worry.
The walls and floor Formaldehyde may be found in the paint on your walls, as well as in the carpet adhesives on the floor.
Bed frame, nightstand and dresser That is right—if your bedroom furniture is made of pressed-wood products such as fiberboard, plywood, or particle board, it may have been manufactured using formaldehyde. Closet and dresser Your closet is another place that formaldehyde can be found. Where to check for formaldehyde in your bathroom Your bathroom may seem like an unlikely spot for manufacturing chemicals but, alas, it can be found in many products you may not have suspected.
The toilet paper The manufacturing process used to create toilet paper often uses formaldehyde. Shampoo and body wash Again, the way your shampoos and soaps are manufactured—though there are potential all-natural or organic products on the market—may be processed with formaldehyde as a preservative and anti-bacterial agent. Cosmetics and personal care products Products like nail polish, makeup, hairspray or styling balm could come from a factory using formaldehyde.
Where to check for formaldehyde in your kitchen Kitchens, though somewhat notorious for being breeding grounds for harmful bacteria, and mold growth , could contain formaldehyde as well.
Paper grocery bags and paper towels Even the paper towels and paper grocery bags you may have inside your pantry could contribute to formaldehyde off-gassing. The walls, floors, and cabinets Just like in other rooms, the walls of your kitchen are probably covered with either paint or wallpaper.
Your gas stove Natural gas is one instance where manufacturers are not to blame for formaldehyde. Where to check for formaldehyde in your living room The living room is a high traffic area that has quite a few potential sources of formaldehyde in your home. Sofas, side tables, and coffee table If you have pressed-wood furniture, varnishes on any of your wood furniture, or synthetic fabric on your couches or chairs, there is a chance you could have some formaldehyde in the air of your living room.
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