Formaldehyde is a colourless, flammable, strong, sweet-smelling chemical that is used in a range of products, from building materials to clothing and cosmetics, it can even be found in paper and new clothes. The formaldehyde vapours are flammable, explosive and toxic. Formaldehyde is commonly used in adhesives during the manufacturing of resins for composite wood products. Exposure to small amounts of naturally produced formaldehyde is common and is present naturally in timber, in the air, some foods and products, but at extremely low levels. The most common way of exposure to formaldehyde is through inhalation or skin contact from building materials. The health effects from formaldehyde exposure vary depending upon the level of exposure as well as the person who is in contact with the substance, as some people are more sensitive to the effects of formaldehyde than others. Low levels of exposure resulting from breathing 0.1-0.5ppm of formaldehyde vapour can result in:
- nasal and eye irritation
- neurological effects
- increased risk of asthma
- increased risk of allergy
Moderate levels of exposure can result from breathing 0.6-1.9ppm of formaldehyde vapour and may cause the above health implications as well as:
- eczema
- changes in lung function
High levels of exposure to formaldehyde vapour may result in all of the above health implications in addition to:
- decreased body weight
- gastrointestinal ulcers
- liver damage
- kidney damage
- dermatitis
To help minimise the health risks of formaldehyde exposure there is a widespread formaldehyde emissions rating system. E00 is the lowest rating score and is described as ‘ultra low’, indicating that this level of emissions is the equivalent to, or below that of, natural wood levels. E0 is the following emissions level and is described as ‘very low’, this is followed by E1, a ‘low rating’ but emissions at this level are to be avoided if possible. E2 is the highest level and also applies to unrated products and indicates that emissions at this level should be avoided at all costs. While there is limited research available, there is some indication that prolonged exposure to high levels of formaldehyde can increase an individual’s risk of cancer. For those who wish to minimise any risk of formaldehyde exposure it is recommended that they:
- source E00 (also known as Super E0) or E0 products from a verification or certification organisation, such as Ecospecifier (www.ecospecifier.com.au), which provides access to products that have been tested and rated for their levels of toxicity;
- when purchasing a produce make sure you enquire about the level of formaldehyde present and that it is rated at E1 or below;
- if possible avoid purchasing composite wood products without formaldehyde rating or any non building product that uses formaldehyde dressing or preservative;
- ensure that there is adequate ventilation inside the family home to help reduce the presence of formaldehyde vapour that might be present in new joinery or carpentry.
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