Home :: What is formaldehyde?
What is formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is a colorless, pungent-smelling, organic gas that is part of a larger group of chemicals classified as VOCs.
Where is it found?
Formaldehyde exists naturally in water and forest fires, and is also found in car exhaust, tobacco smoke, smog, and in the metabolic by-products of most animals, including humans. It is used to give permanent-press qualities to textiles, as a preservative in vaccines and some paints, as a disinfectant, in medicines that dry out the skin (such as those used to kill warts), in some glues and adhesives (commonly found in pressed wood products), in resins for paper products, and for embalming.
Why should I be concerned?
Formaldehyde can cause respiratory irritation and allergic reactions. It is a probable human carcinogen. It is used in many common construction materials and home furnishings, so it is present in high amounts in many home and buildings. The rate of off-gassing increases relative to the temperature and humidity level, so emissions are higher when the air is warm and moist.
Where can I learn more?
For more information, see the EPA's IAQ basic information on formaldehyde, the ScoreCard chemical profile of formaldehyde, the CPSC Report "An Update On Formaldehyde: 1997 Revision", the UMN Publication "Indoor Air Pollution: An Evaluation of Three Agents", and the CHEC chemical profile for formaldehyde.
