Formaldehyde. It's a word that often conjures up images of preserved organisms in labs. But the truth is, formaldehyde is a common, colorless gas that exists in many everyday items in our homes and workplaces, and can be easily recognized by the familiar odor associated with new furniture, paint, and other materials. While a little bit might seem harmless, elevated levels can pose significant health risks. So, what exactly is formaldehyde, where does it lurk, what does it smell like, and most importantly, how can you detect and get rid of it? Let's explore these questions further.

What is Formaldehyde (HCHO)?

Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling, flammable volatile organic compound with the chemical formula HCHO. Due to its antiseptic and adhesive properties, it’s widely used in manufacturing. While formaldehyde can occur naturally in the environment, mainly from the decomposition of plant matter in soil and from normal chemical processes of most organisms, the most harmful sources are in mass-produced industrial products.

Where is Formaldehyde Found?

Formaldehyde is commonly found in a surprisingly wide array of items in our homes and offices, including:

• Building materials, like particleboard, plywood, and pressed-wood furniture
• Household products, including glues, adhesives, paints, varnishes, cleaning agents, disinfectants, air fresheners, etc.
• Textiles, such as permanent-press fabrics, wrinkle-resistant clothing, and carpets
• Personal care products, including cosmetics, shampoos, lotions, and nail polish
• Combustion byproducts from wood-burning fireplaces, gas stoves, and cigarette smoke

What Does Formaldehyde Do to Body?

The effects of formaldehyde on human health depend on how much and how long someone is exposed to it. Generally, exposure to small amounts of formaldehyde in most household products is not likely to cause serious health issues, but certain individuals, like children, the elderly, and people with impaired immunity or respiratory diseases, might be more sensitive to even low levels.

Research from the World Health Organization and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency indicates that short-term exposure to small amounts of formaldehyde can cause symptoms such as eye, nose, and throat irritation, coughing, headaches, dizziness, and nausea.

However, what needs to be vigilant is long-term exposure to high concentrations, because this can increase the risk of certain cancers. A study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer found that prolonged exposure to formaldehyde at high levels significantly increases the mortality risk for lung, nasopharyngeal, and oral cancers.

What Does Formaldehyde Smell Like?

Some people describe the scent of formaldehyde like pickles, disinfectant, or antiseptics, but basically, nothing smells like formaldehyde. If you’ve ever unpacked new furniture, gotten into a fresh car, or taken a frog anatomy class, you likely recall that pungent, sharp, and unpleasant smell. At low concentrations, however, its odor can become less noticeable. Relying on smell alone is unreliable - some people may not even notice it at unsafe levels.

How to Detect Formaldehyde in the Air?

If you experience frequent symptoms like irritation in your eyes, nose, or throat but can’t smell formaldehyde, there are two ways to confirm your suspicions:

Formaldehyde detectors: These electronic devices continuously measure and provide real-time readings of formaldehyde levels. Some models, such as the INKBIRD IAQM-129-W, also monitor other air quality parameters like TVOC, CO2, PM2.5, PM10, AQI, temperature, and humidity.

Professional air quality testing: Hiring an air quality professional is the most accurate and comprehensive way to assess formaldehyde levels, though it can be expensive, typically costing around $400 per visit.

How to Get Rid of Formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is invisible and can get into your body through the air, food, and even skin. Fortunately, formaldehyde emissions can be curbed by controlling the source of pollution. There are several effective ways to lower formaldehyde levels in your home by:

1. Ventilation: Keep your home well ventilated is the simplest and most effective way to reduce formaldehyde concentrations, especially if you have a lot of pressed wood furniture or flooring. Regularly open doors and windows, or use circulating fans to help bring in fresh air.
2. Humidity and Temperature Control: Use air conditioners and dehumidifiers to keep indoor temperature and humidity at a comfortable level, which helps slow down gas emissions. For added convenience, a temperature and humidity controller can automatically regulate indoor conditions as needed.
3. Air Purifiers: Use activated carbon filters or air purifiers with a HEPA + carbon filter to absorb formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air. Avoid purifiers that generate ozone, as this can worsen air quality.
4. Source Reduction: To remove excess formaldehyde, try unpacking new items and letting them off-gas before bringing them into your home. It’s also a good idea to wash new curtains, clothing, and bed linens before using them, Additionally, you can seal exposed particleboard, plywood, and MDF with a low-VOC sealant or paint to prevent formaldehyde release.
5. Low- or No-Formaldehyde Products: When purchasing new furniture, construction materials, and household products, opt for low-VOC or formaldehyde-free alternatives. Look for certifications like CARB Phase 2 compliant or UL Greenguard Gold.
6. Houseplants: NASA research shows that specific houseplants like Chinese Evergreen and Spider Plants can filter out formaldehyde and other pollutants. While they won’t completely remove formaldehyde, they can help improve indoor air quality.
7. No Smoking: Formaldehyde is a component of tobacco smoke, so smoking a cigarette indoors can expose you and those around you to high levels of this harmful substance.

FAQs

What is formaldehyde used for?

Formaldehyde has a wide range of uses, including resins and adhesives in pressed wood for furniture, flooring and cabinets, as well as preservatives in certain medicines and cosmetics. It can be also found in paints, varnishes, coatings, fertilizers, pesticides, and even in permanent press fabrics.

Is formaldehyde toxic?

Yes, formaldehyde is toxic. Short-term exposure may cause irritation and inflammation, whereas long-term exposure can lead to severe respiratory issues and potentially cancer.

Does formaldehyde cause cancer?

Yes, formaldehyde is classified as a known human carcinogen by several organizations, including IARC and NTP. Studies have linked formaldehyde exposure to an increased risk of nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia.

Is formaldehyde in vapes?

Yes, formaldehyde is produced by thermal decomposition of the e-liquid components in e-cigarette vapes, and the concentration can be higher during dry puffs.

How to get formaldehyde smell out of jeans?

Add vinegar and baking soda to water and soak the clothes overnight. After washing, hang them outdoors for a day to allow the formaldehyde to release.

Does formaldehyde make you hungry?

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that formaldehyde exposure directly causes hunger. Increased hunger would not be a typical symptom of formaldehyde exposure.