Formaldehyde Exposure

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Regulations related to Formaldehyde Exposure in the Home

More than two decades ago, the Department of Housing and Urban Development of the United States of America set down standards for newly constructed mobile homes and prefabricated residences.

The construction crews are allowed by the industry to use products & building materials that may have formaldehyde content. The concern is that formaldehyde in trailers is more concentrated than in a fixed abode.

However, the amounts of this chemical which the residents are exposed to must be kept at a minimum.

Various agencies conduct tests to determine formaldehyde levels in offices, schools, commercial and industrial buildings. However, the agency’s scope of functions does not include inspections of homes and private apartments.

Measuring concentrations of  in the air for formaldehyde exposure

Measurement of formaldehyde concentrations in the air should only be done by professionals using a formaldehyde test kit. There is a list of companies provided by the Environmental and Ecological Products and Services or Home and Building Inspection Services. If you are homeowner, there are do-it-yourself kits for measuring indoor formaldehyde which can provide estimates, but not definite figures.

Formaldehyde exposure symptoms after purchasing furniture, cabinet making or renovations around the house?

If you  become ill after buying a piece of furniture or after using pressed wood products after a remodelling process, this might be due to formaldehyde side effects.

 

Formaldehyde exposure illness may also occur after a repainting job, repairs, or sealing. 

Formaldehyde exposure may also happen when pest control treatment is applied.

There is of course the possibility that another chemical caused the illness instead of formaldehyde.

It is best to consult with a licensed doctor to determine whether an illness is related to the quality of the air inside the home or workplace or potentially the health effects of Formaldehyde.

Ways to reduce formaldehyde exposure indoors.

Here are a few preventative measures which are guaranteed to reduce the chances of exposure to this potentially harmful chemical compound.

 

  • First of all, it is important to improve the ventilation inside a building. This can be done by simply opening doors and windows so that fresh air can circulate inside the rooms.
  • It is also advisable for those who do not have windows to install a complex air exchange units to improve air quality.
  • Another element that is worth looking into is the temperature inside the building. Air conditioning is a one option since this reduces the inner temperature & moisture content of the air.
  • A dehumidifier may be helpful as well.
  • If the temperature and moisture of the inner air remains high, formaldehyde may be excreted more by home furnishings and construction materials.
  • If materials inside the home or the workplace are known to contain formaldehyde, you can coat the product or cover it up with a more harmless material.
  • Another recommendation is to reduce the use of products with formaldehyde.
  • To reduce formaldehyde exposure, it is best to opt for products which have little to no formaldehyde content.
  • You can refer to the MSDS or Material Safety Data Sheet from companies to determine what the ingredients of products are.

 

It is important to carefully examine the chemical compounds that comprise air cleaning and air purifying agents before using them. The best way to reduce your formaldehyde exposure is to read material Safety Data Sheets to have a better understanding of the ingredients of the products you are considering using. A comprehensive background research is indicated so that the user is ensured that only safe chemicals are used.

Lastly, if there are household items that contain small concentrations of formaldehyde, it is best to read the directions for use and follow them carefully. A detailed list of ingredients is usually provided by the manufacturers. Before using a product, home or business owners must be fully cognizant of what they are using and exposing themselves to.

More details regarding formaldehyde allergy is here 

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