| Formaldehyde Fact Sheet
Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas with a distinct, pungent odor. It is naturally produced in our bodies and is also used in the production of fertilizer, paper, plywood, and urea-formaldehyde resins. It is used as a preservative in some foods and in many household products such as antiseptics, medicines, and cosmetics.
How You Are Exposed
Major sources of formaldehyde exposure are smog, cigarette smoke, gas cookers, and open fireplaces. Formaldehyde is also used in many industries and in hospitals and laboratories.
It is given off as a gas from the manufactured wood products used in new mobile homes and other pressed-wood products such as furniture, shelving, and even children’s play sets.
Exposure to formaldehyde from food is minimal, but some household sources include fiberglass, carpets, permanent press fabrics, paper products, and some household cleaners.
How Can Formaldehyde Affect Your Health?
Low levels of formaldehyde may cause irritation of the nose, eyes, throat, and skin. Asthmatics may be more sensitive to the negative effects of inhaled formaldehyde.
Ingesting large quantities of liquid formaldehyde can result in severe pain, vomiting, coma, and even death.
Some studies have reported that exposure to high levels of formaldehyde in workplace air may increase incidence of cancer of the nose and throat.
Avoiding Exposure: Tips and Alternatives
Since formaldehyde is usually found in the air, and levels are more likely to be higher indoors, opening windows and using fans to help with ventilation are simple ways to lower formaldehyde levels. Not smoking and avoiding un-vented heaters also help to lower levels in the air.
Remove any products that give off formaldehyde in your home. Providing fresh air, sealing unfinished manufactured wood surfaces, and washing new permanent press clothing before wearing them can also help reduce the risk of exposure.
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