FORMALDEHYDE

Formaldehyde is a chemical found in many household products and building materials, and is also produced by combustion. While formaldehyde is common in homes, it can be harmful to your health. Experts recommend keeping formaldehyde levels as low as reasonably possible in your home.

The good news is, with proper controls you can reduce the level of exposure in your home. Your contractor can help you get your home to the best version of itself!

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY

“…Formaldehyde presents an unreasonable risk of injury to human health…EPA also identified cancer and other chronic risk due to long-term inhalation of formaldehyde.”

Environmental Protection Agency

(EPA)

“Formaldehyde irritates the nose, eyes and throat. These irritations can happen when exposed to low levels of formaldehyde. Other short-term effects include headache, runny nose, nausea and difficulty breathing. Exposure may cause wheezing, asthma attacks and other respiratory symptoms.”

American Lung Association

(ALA)

“Working with formaldehyde could increase your chances of having fertility problems or miscarriage.”

Centers for Disease Control

(CDC)

WHY FORMALDEHYDE TESTING IS IMPORTANT

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It Can Cause Cancer

Formaldehyde causes more cancer than any airborne pollutant, specifically, nasopharyngeal cancer, sinus cancer, and myeloid leukemia. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies formaldehyde as a known carcinogen, meaning it is proven to cause cancer in humans.

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It's Common in Homes

Almost always undetectable by smell, formaldehyde is prevalent in many household products, from plastics and paints to glues. Because it’s so widespread, testing your home is the best way to determine your specific exposure levels.

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

Increase ventilation: heat or energy recovery ventilator (HRV/ERV), fresh air supply vent or ventilating dehumidifier.

When possible, choose low-formaldehyde products for your home, especially when building or remodeling.

Keep heat and relative humidity levels low indoors. Talk to your contractor about how to best accomplish this in your home.

AIRADVICE PROTIP:

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Some of our favorite methods to reduce formaldehyde are: an energy recovery ventilator (ERV), ventilating dehumidifier, and carbon filtration.

Ask your contractor about these solutions.

WHAT ELSE DO WE MEASURE?

AirAdvice tests for 7 different parameters in the home with our top-of-the-line monitor. Our monitors are designed and maintained to produce clear and accurate results, giving you a clear picture of the state of your home’s air.

Scroll down to learn more about the health, comfort, safety IAQ parameters that we test for in the home.

Temperature

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states temperature is linked to our health, well-being, and productivity. Read more about how optimizing the temperature can improve the comfort in your home.

Relative Humidity

Relative Humidity (RH%) can affect the incidence of respiratory infections and allergies, and contribute to comfort issues. According to the CDC, high moisture (>60%) can foster biological growth. Read more about how to protect your home from the effects of air that is either too dry or too humid.

Particles

Particulate matter (PM) is a microscopic mixture of solid dust particles and liquid droplets found in the air, invisible to the eye. The smallest particles pose the greatest health risk and can get into the deepest part of our lungs and into the blood stream. Read more about how to prevent the build up of particles in your home.

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a gas we exhale. It builds up in the home when there is no fresh outdoor air, impacting health, comfort, and performance. Read more about the effects of high levels of CO2 in the home, and how it can be remedied.

Volatile Organic Compounds

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) represent a broad category of chemicals that are present in numerous products we use to build and maintain our homes. Once these chemicals are in our homes, they are discharged or “off-gas” into the indoor air we breathe. They may or may not emit odors, so smelling is not a good indicator of health risk.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is gas that has no odor, taste or color that comes from burning different fuels. It can build up to deadly levels in the home, especially when appliances and engines aren’t well ventilated or vented. Read more about how to prevent this build up in your home.