For years we have been using wood as a primary material for making various objects in our homes. The resin used in many of such wooden furnishing always has some level of formaldehyde in it.
However, surely very few of us know, that,
Continued contact with formaldehyde, even while breathing can adversely impact your health and harm the people you love.
So, in order to ensure the well-being and healthiness of your family members and the people around you, you need to limit the levels of formaldehyde in your home.
The above has been proven through several scientific studies and advanced researches around the world.
According to a report published by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission in 1997, formaldehyde is present in almost every home, at low levels, inside as well as outside.
The excessive use of objects and materials that contain formaldehyde leads to its release as vapors or gas in the air, which is bad for our health and the environment.
In addition to causing short-term effects such as irritation of the skin, eyes, nose and throat, higher levels of formaldehyde exposure can potentially lead to long-term medical effects like cancer.
In this article, we will provide you with all the necessary information you need to know about formaldehyde and the harmful effects it may cause in your homes.
Aimed to provide you with a better understanding of its effects on human health and creating more environmentally friendly homes, we hope this information can help you in making wiser decisions that will safeguard the health of your loved ones and your own.
Let us first look at the basics.
What is Formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is a chemical substance that is colorless, pungent-smelling, and flammable. No home can be completely free from formaldehyde because it is present in almost every household object ranging from furniture to even cosmetics.
Formaldehyde is a Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)
Formaldehyde is classified as a Volatile Organic Compound, a chemical substance that is solid, but releases gases or vapors in the air around it. According to the US Environment Protection Agency, formaldehyde is categorized as a VOC pollutant that impacts the air quality of indoor living.
Places Formaldehyde is Commonly Found in Homes
Found in several objects and ongoing processes in our homes, formaldehyde can be released from different types of household furniture, fuel-burning appliances and building materials including pressed wood, adhesives, fabrics, germicides, disinfectants, and insulation materials.
Studies have proven that formaldehyde levels are much higher in homes with new products, particularly home furnishings, as well as a house that have just undergone construction. Wood-based home furnishing products such as flooring, cabinetries, and wall paints contain highest levels of this non substance as compared to other objects found in homes.
Health Effects Caused by Exposure to Formaldehyde in Homes
As previously mentioned, formaldehyde inhaled or consumed in more than a specific amount for prolonged periods can have very harsh effects on human health.
- Short-Term Effects
Some short-term effects of formaldehyde in your home may include:
- Coughing
- Scratchy or watery eyes
- Burning sensation in throat, eyes, and nose
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nosebleeds
- Nausea.
- Long-Term Impact
Many studies and researches have been conducted to find out the effects of formaldehyde on human health.
Accordingly,
- The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded that formaldehyde is “carcinogenic to humans” based on the higher risks causing nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia.
- The National Toxicology Program NTP grades formaldehyde as “known to be a human carcinogen.”
- The Environmental Protection Agency EPA has classified formaldehyde as a “probable human carcinogen.”
- National Cancer Institute researchers have concluded that exposure to formaldehyde may cause leukemia, particularly myeloid leukemia, in humans.
Medical experts and researchers suggest that although almost everyone is affected by formaldehyde and its harmful VOCs, some people may be at higher risk of getting affected.
Such people include:
- Children and Infants
- Elderly People
- Pregnant women
- People with respiratory illnesses or any type of lung conditions.
Solutions to Reduce Formaldehyde in Homes
Although formaldehyde cannot be totally eliminated from our homes, there are still many ways in which we can lower the levels of its exposure.
These methods include:
- Opening windows and improving indoor ventilation
- Installing exhaust fans and accelerating air circulation
- Keeping home temperatures and humidity levels appropriate
- Use furniture, cabinets, floorings, and other objects made from formaldehyde-free materials
- Installing cabinets and shelves made from ultra-low emitting pressed wood
- Use objects with no VOC labels.
Make Better and Healthier Choices for Your Homes
Choose Products Made with E1 Certified Materials
People can limit formaldehyde exposure by using E1 grade certified wood materials to make eco-friendly homes. The main difference between E1 grade certified wood materials and normal wood is the type of resin used.
There are two types of formaldehyde resin; urea formaldehyde (UF) and phenol formaldehyde (PF) – commonly used as adhesive for binding together panels of exterior-grade plywood, melamine and laminated panels. E1 board emits much lower levels of formaldehyde as they mostly contain PF instead of UF. UF generally emits higher levels of formaldehyde.
E1 is the regulation that permits formaldehyde emission up to a level of 0.07 ppm. Accepted by the European countries, the same standard has been set by the US Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Low-Formaldehyde Cabinetry – The Right Option for Healthy Eco-Friendly Living
To safeguard your own health and the wellbeing of the people that you love, you need to make wiser choices of the materials that you use in your eco-friendly homes especially cabinetry and storage shelves.
ACE Reno & Furniture – The Best Choice for Your E1 Grade Low Formaldehyde Home Cabinets and Storage
Ace Reno & Furniture is one of the leading names in Cabinetry and Home renovation services in Malaysia. They offer the best quality, low formaldehyde-certified materials for all your home renovation and cabinetry needs.
Committed to making your home a safe, secure and a healthy place to live in, we are the best choice for premium quality cabinet work for your kitchens, bedrooms, and other living areas at affordable prices.
Why Choose ACE Reno & Furniture?
We are the best choice for your E1 grade home furnishings because
- Every team member at ACE gives top priority to customer’s health and overall wellbeing
- We ensure to provide cabinetries made from tested and certified low formaldehyde materials
- We are the first company in Malaysia that offers Water Damage Warranty.
Contact Us Today
Contact us today and get in touch with our eco-friendly home remodeling specialist to get the best solution that fits in your home and furnishing needs.
We specialize in providing:
- Home remodeling solutions
- Custom-made cabinetry
- Interior design
Here at ACE Reno & Furniture, we will carry out a free comprehensive survey of your home to ensure we fully understand the structure and fabric of your property, as well as taking the time to get to know you so we can incorporate appliances that will suit your lifestyle.
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