Understanding Formaldehyde in Indoor Environments

Formaldehyde is a common volatile organic compound (VOC) found in many building materials and household products. As a naturally occurring organic compound, it's present in both outdoor and indoor environments, though indoor concentrations tend to be higher due to the presence of manufactured materials.

Sources and Exposure Levels

Common indoor sources include:

• Construction materials (plywood, particle board)
• Paints and varnishes
• Floor finishes
• Building materials
• Tobacco smoke

The EPA has established a limit of 0.016 ppm for new buildings. Typical concentrations in new homes start at around 0.076 ppm and decrease to approximately 0.045 ppm after 30 days. Most people can detect formaldehyde's odor between 0.05-1 ppm.

Health Considerations

Exposure to formaldehyde can cause various health effects, depending on concentration levels:

• At concentrations above 0.1 ppm, it may irritate eyes and mucous membranes
• It can trigger asthma symptoms, headaches, and breathing difficulties in sensitive individuals
• Long-term exposure has been associated with certain cancers, including nasal/sinus cancers and nasopharyngeal cancer
• The CDC recognizes it as a compound that can affect the nervous system

Mitigation Strategies

To reduce formaldehyde exposure in indoor environments:

• Maintain adequate ventilation
• Select low-emission building materials when possible
• Allow new materials to off-gas in well-ventilated areas
• Monitor indoor air quality, particularly in new construction

Professional assessment may be warranted if there are concerns about formaldehyde levels in your indoor environment.