Formaldehyde Resources

What is formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring colorless, strong-smelling, flammable chemical (chemical formula CH₂O) used in preservatives, building materials, and household products. At low airborne concentrations, formaldehyde can have little or no odor. These low concentrations are typical in homes and non-industrial settings.

Formaldehyde is used in pressed-wood products, such as particleboard, plywood, and fiberboard; glues and adhesives; permanent-press fabrics; paper product coatings; and certain insulation materials like foam. It is also used to manufacture many other common products such as household cleaners, paints, textiles, landscape and yard products, personal care products, and pesticides.

Formaldehyde is common in the manufacturing, embalming, textile, and cosmetic industries. It can be released into the air by automobiles, cigarettes, burning wood, kerosene, or natural gas. It is present at low levels outdoors (higher in cities, lower in rural areas), and can naturally occur as a byproduct of living organisms' metabolism. processes.

How does formaldehyde get into my home?

Very low, “trace” quantities of airborne formaldehyde are present in almost every home due to off-gassing of products and building materials, combustion sources, and outdoor air and natural processes. After building materials are installed, formaldehyde may be released into the air over time as the product ages. This release is typically greatest when the product is new, and the airborne concentrations of formaldehyde subside over time. Factors affecting formaldehyde release include the product's formaldehyde content, the amount of product installed, the effectiveness of ventilation, and temperature and humidity.

Why does it matter if I am exposed to airborne concentrations of formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a known irritant that can cause acute reactions like headaches, sore throat, and eye irritation. Inhaling formaldehyde can cause respiratory issues such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, and can worsen existing conditions like asthma. Long-term effect can increase risk to cancer, and children and the elderly are the most vulnerable. Low exposure can have a varied effect, where some may experience adverse health symptoms while others may not.

How can I reduce airborne formaldehyde concentrations in my home?

The best way to reduce airborne concentrations of formaldehyde in your home is to limit the products that contain formaldehyde. Increasing ventilation, using air purifiers with activated carbon filters, and managing temperature and humidity can also significantly lower formaldehyde levels.

How do I test for formaldehyde?

If you suspect formaldehyde at high levels or have concerns, AIHA recommends you hire a trained industrial hygienist or occupational and environmental health and safety (OEHS) professional for professional testing. After samples are collected, they are sent to a qualified and accredited lab for analysis. The industrial hygienist or OEHS will also interpret the results.

When using a home formaldehyde test kit, ensure the samples are sent to a qualified and accredited laboratory to test for the presence of formaldehyde. These kits typically contain a small formaldehyde sampler (i.e., dosimeter) and written instructions that should carefully adhered to.

How do I find a consultant or expert to help me?

The AIHA Consultants Listing is a public resource that the public can find an industrial hygienists or OEHS professionals in your area. A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is preferred.

Questions to ask the professional include:

• Are you or do you have a CIH or trained IH or OEHS professional with experience performing exposure assessments and assessing indoor air quality?

• Do you use only labs accredited for the analysis of formaldehyde?

• Do you have specific experience in addressing formaldehyde issues in homes?

If the answer to any of these questions is no, AIHA recommends that you find another consultant.

Why an industrial hygienist (IH) or occupational and environmental health and safety (OEHS) professional?

An industrial hygienist or OEHS professional anticipates health and safety concerns in workplaces and homes, with specialized training to be able design solutions to prevent hazards. Industrial hygienist and OEHS is closely related but an IH primarily focuses on anticipating, recognizing, evaluating, and controlling workplace hazards that can affect employee health, while OEHS encompasses a broader scope, including environmental protection and broader public health considerations beyond the workplace. A CIH is a specific certification that requires meeting certain educational, experience, and examination requirements. They are the guardians of your workplace and your home.

How do I find a qualified laboratory to test formaldehyde?

To find a qualified laboratory for formaldehyde testing, you can consult resources like the AIHA-LAP website, which lists IHLAP accredited laboratories. To determine if you are sending a sample to the right laboratory, ask the following questions:

• Is the laboratory accredited for testing to the international standard ISO/IEC 17025:2017?

• Do the laboratory’s accredited analysis cover active and passive sampling methods, including:

  • Passive sampling methods using NIOSH Method 2016 (preferred).

  • Active methods involve using sorbent tubes (NIOSH Method 2541) or impingers (NIOSH Method 125)?

• Does the laboratory provide the formaldehyde samplers with complete written instructions on how to use and return the device for analysis?

If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” AIHA recommends that you find another lab.

What is an accredited laboratory?

An accredited laboratory has demonstrated its quality assurance and technical competence according to ISO/IEC 17025:2017. AIHA’s affiliate, AIHA Laboratory Accreditation Programs, LLC (“AIHA-LAP”), accredits laboratories under its Industrial Hygiene Laboratory Accreditation Program (IHLAP), many of which have testing scopes that include formaldehyde. You can find a list of IHLAP accredited laboratories with each laboratory’s testing scope and certificate on the AIHA-LAP website. Staff at AIHA-LAP can also help locate IHLAP labs with scopes that cover formaldehyde.

Who does AIHA represent?

AIHA is a non-profit, individual membership-based professional society founded in 1939. AIHA provides programs, products, and services to its nearly 8,500 members. Nearly one-half of AIHA members hold a professional certification, most notably the Certified Industrial Hygiene (CIH) certification. AIHA members focus on the protection of the health and safety of employees, as well as the broader community and your home.