Formaldehyde is a colourless, flammable gas at room temperature and has a strong odour. It is released into the atmosphere from forest fires, automobile exhaust, and tobacco smoke. It is a significant component of smog. Very small amounts of formaldehyde are naturally produced in humans and other organisms and can naturally occur in some building materials (e.g. wood).
Moreover, formaldehyde is produced industrially for use as a preservative, and disinfectant, and the manufacturing of several types of glue, resins, and other materials for building products. For industrial-scale production, formaldehyde is manufactured from the oxidation of methanol, which is in turn derived from fossil fuels.
Products containing any type of formaldehyde emit this substance. The rate at which products such as pressed wood or textiles are release can change. Formaldehyde emissions generally decrease as products age. When products are new, high indoor temperatures or humidity can cause an increased release of formaldehyde.
Why is formaldehyde a hazardous substance?
Formaldehyde is a substance that can irritate the eyes and nose and breathing problems in human beings at elevated levels. It is an asthma trigger in sensitive individuals and it can cause contact dermatitis, associated- ed with an allergic reaction to the chemical.
It has been shown to increase cancer risk in animals and has long been suspected to cause cancer in human beings. In addition to its toxic properties, formaldehyde can react with other chemicals in the atmosphere to create carbon monoxide. Some of the products made with formaldehyde are chemicals of concern as well. Phenol formaldehyde, for example, is listed as a suspected immunotoxin.
Furthermore, methanol, from which formaldehyde is made, causes eye, skin and respiratory irritation and long-term chronic exposure can damage the central nervous system and vision. For its hazardous properties, formaldehyde is a regulated substance in the European Union.
Where can it be found?
Formaldehyde is found in various elements and products most commonplace such as resins used in the manufacture of composite wood products (i.e., hardwood plywood, particleboard and medium-density fiberboard); building materials and insulation; household products such as glues, permanent press fabrics, paints and coatings, lacquers and finishes, and paper products; preservatives used in some medicines, cosmetics and other consumer products such as dishwashing liquids and fabric softeners; and fertilizers and pesticides.
Moreover, it is a byproduct of combustion and certain other natural processes, and so is also found in emissions from unvented fuel-burning appliances, and cigarette smoke. Concerning the construction and demolition industry, formalde- hyde is a key component of several polymers used in building materials including the following:
Urea Formaldehyde | An amino resin widely used as a binder in composite wood products (particleboard, plywood, and panelling), as well as in carpet; |
Phenol-Formaldehyde | Used as a binder in fiberglass batt insulation and in composite wood products designed for exterior use. Also used in interior composite wood products. PF is also used as a binding agent for paper-based products such as paper composite countertops. |
Melamine resin | An amino resin is used to make laminate countertops, glues, and fabrics. |
Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate | d directly in composite wood and other products as a binder or glue and as a building block material (feedstock) in the production of polyurethane (PU) for both hard plastics and foams. |
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