Formaldehyde is a chemical widely used to manufacture building materials and other essential household products. It is usually a flammable, colorless gas that emits a strong, pungent odor at room temperature. A member of the compound group, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde is responsible for the unique “new” smell that is emitted from buildings and new products. It is often used as a preservative for some food products and in commercial products like medicines, cosmetics, and antiseptics. Suspected of being a contributing factor to the “sick building” syndrome, formaldehyde immensely contributes to poor indoor air quality. Inhaling large quantities of formaldehyde can lead to severe health problems including cancer and severe irritation of skin, throat, nose, and eyes.
Indoor Sources of Formaldehyde
- Home Furnishings
Formaldehyde is commonly used in indoor home furnishings and building structures. It is used as an adhesive to press wood products, which results in urea formaldehyde breaking down and releasing toxins in the air. The presence of many pressed wooden products in new and recently remodeled homes is a contributing factor to high levels of formaldehyde indoors.
- Commercial Products
Formaldehyde is found in large quantities in permanent press fabrics and products of regular use like cosmetics. Apart from these, foam insulations, paint coatings, and paint preservatives lead to an increase in the level of this chemical within the confines of your home and workplace.
- Combustible Substances
Combustion of wood, gasoline, and tobacco smoke leads to a considerable amount of formaldehyde release in the air. Smoking indoors can thus pose a great threat to the health conditions of the residents. Reducing the burning of wood and other combustible products in the home helps bring down the levels of indoor formaldehyde.
Adverse Effects of Formaldehyde
- Causes Short-Term Health Issues
High levels of formaldehyde indoors, exceeding 0.1 ppm, have adverse health effects like burning sensation in the throat, eyes, and nose. The symptoms can be watery eyes, coughing, wheezing, and skin irritation. These differ from person to person. While some people are extremely sensitive to formaldehyde exposure, others might not have the same level of health adversities.
- Leads to Cancer
Formaldehyde is a categorized carcinogen, exposure to which can lead to cancer. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), United States, classified formaldehyde as a “probable” human carcinogen when found in high concentrations in indoor air and in cases of prolonged exposure.
- Causes Breathing Problems
Prolonged exposure to formaldehyde increases the vulnerability of asthmatic individuals, both children and adults. It can also cause irritation in the passageways of the lungs, resulting in nausea and chest tightness. Generally, it is usually a matter of concern for people with respiratory problems who move into newly refurbished homes where the levels of formaldehyde are at the highest.
Overview of Indoor Air Cleanup
- Prior Testing
To ensure your family or employees, depending on the scenario, a clean indoor air environment, our team conducts a quality test before beginning any work. Through this, we ascertain the allergens present in the specific area to understand the issues that need to be tackled. We test the allergens, gas levels, ventilation, and humidity to provide an appropriate cleanup to give the clean air you deserve.
- Advance Estimate of Service
We believe in complete transparency with our esteemed customers. Once we determine the kind and extent of cleanup required, you will get an estimate of the expected cost of our service. Be rest assured that there will be no hidden charges. We will be more than happy to clarify all your queries and doubts.
- Efficient Cleaning Services
After identifying the sources of your indoor air quality concerns, we use advanced, state-of-the-art equipment to clean up the indoor air. We use air purifiers, air cleaners as well as filtration and ventilation equipment for this purpose. Our experienced professionals will create a customized plan to make sure that your indoor air is safe, pure, and clean.
Are you experiencing frequent exposure to formaldehyde? Do you suspect poor air quality within the confines of your property? Would you like immediate cleanup to tackle the problem?
Call ECOS at (888) 868-5420 today! We are committed to providing reliable services to make your life safer, easier, and better.
Why Choose ECOS?
- We have a live operator on call 24/7 to schedule your project (Monday through Sunday).
- Our services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.
- We give topmost priority to the health and safety of our clients.
- Our modern equipment is safe for people, animals, and sensitive materials.
- Our technicians are friendly and helpful.
- We have years of professional experience in the industry and are experts.
- We have no hidden charges and offer competitive pricing.
Source Links:
- https://www.microbac.com/formaldehyde-and-indoor-air-quality_1
- http://www.iaqa.org/consumer-resources/formaldehyde/
- https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/reports-publications/air-quality/formaldehyde-indoor-air-environment-workplace-health.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK138711/
- https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/formaldehyde/formaldehyde-fact-sheet