Formaldehyde is a pungent, colorless, and flammable chemical compound produced on an industrial scale. It’s a versatile substance utilized in the manufacturing of numerous building materials, most notably particleboard, plywood, and other composite wood products. Beyond construction, formaldehyde serves as a powerful fungicide, germicide, and disinfectant. It is also employed as a preservative in mortuaries and medical laboratories to maintain biological specimens. Interestingly, formaldehyde is not solely a synthetic chemical; it occurs naturally in our environment. It arises from the decomposition of plant matter in soil and as a byproduct of normal metabolic processes in most living organisms. Furthermore, formaldehyde is a component of combustion, readily found in tobacco smoke.
Exposure to formaldehyde primarily occurs through inhalation of its gaseous form or vapor present in the air. Absorption through the skin via liquids containing formaldehyde is another route of exposure. Certain professions face higher formaldehyde exposure levels. These include workers in formaldehyde production or industries utilizing formaldehyde in their products, alongside laboratory technicians, healthcare professionals, and mortuary staff.
For the general public, formaldehyde exposure can stem from breathing air contaminated by sources such as pressed-wood products commonly found in homes, tobacco smoke, and vehicle exhaust emissions. Another potential source of exposure is the use of unvented fuel-burning appliances within homes, like gas stoves, wood-burning stoves, and kerosene heaters, which can release formaldehyde into indoor air.
Research focusing on workers with significant formaldehyde exposure, such as industrial employees and embalmers, has established a causal link between formaldehyde and certain cancers. These cancers include myeloid leukemia and rare forms such as cancers of the paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity, and nasopharynx.
To mitigate formaldehyde exposure, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends opting for “exterior-grade” pressed-wood products, which are formulated to release less formaldehyde. Additionally, maintaining good ventilation in homes and workplaces is crucial. Controlling indoor climate through moderate temperatures and reduced humidity, achievable with air conditioners and dehumidifiers, can also help lower formaldehyde levels.
