Air quality

Formaldehyde (CH₂O): Definition, Causes & Effects

Formaldehyde occurs indoors as a gas and can be noticed by its typical smell. It forms during incomplete combustion and other oxidation processes. Since the gas is used, for example, in adhesives, it's very widespread indoors and enters the body through breathing. We introduce this substance in more detail.

A wooden board being worked with a wide brush | air-Q

Undine Jaehne 3/17/2023

Formaldehyde reading: causes & origins

Formaldehyde is colorless, pungent-smelling, and gaseous at room temperature. This "home toxin" occurs practically everywhere as an adhesive component: in wood-based materials, furniture & fittings, particleboard and joinery panels, insulation materials, as well as paints, varnishes, adhesives, glues, or in aqueous form in preservatives and disinfectants.

Formaldehyde also arises during metabolism and occurs naturally in fruits such as apples or grapes. It also forms during incomplete combustion or smoking.

Is CH₂O harmful to health?

According to the European Union's assessment, formaldehyde is carcinogenic, or can increase cancer incidence, and is classified as mutagenic. The gas promotes allergies, respiratory or eye irritation, and can cause skin irritation on direct contact with the liquid solution. The substance can also affect memory and concentration and cause sleep disturbances.

From a concentration of 30 mg/m³, there's a risk to life. Together with oxygen, formaldehyde forms explosive mixtures from a concentration of 7 vol.%.

How can you protect yourself from formaldehyde's health risks?

When buying new items, look for the "Blue Angel" product label, or for furniture, the "Golden M" quality seal (RAL quality mark 430).
Use only building materials with the "Low-Emission E1" certificate.
Measure formaldehyde concentration in room air with an air monitor like the air-Q and ensure adequate fresh air supply through burst ventilation.

air-Q air monitor with glowing LED displays against a white background — The air-Q air monitor detects formaldehyde in room air & warns of high readings.

Summary

What is formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a colorless, pungent-smelling gas found in many products such as furniture, paints, varnishes, adhesives, insulation materials, and wood-based materials. It also arises during incomplete combustion and occurs naturally in small amounts in some fruits, such as apples and grapes.

How does formaldehyde form?

Formaldehyde forms during the manufacture of many building materials and furniture, as well as through the metabolism of plants and animals. It's also released while smoking or through incomplete combustion of organic materials.

Is formaldehyde harmful to health?

Yes, formaldehyde is classified by the EU as carcinogenic and mutagenic. It can cause allergies, respiratory irritation, eye irritation, and skin irritation. It can also impair memory and concentration and cause sleep disturbances.

What concentration of formaldehyde is dangerous?

From a concentration of 30 mg/m³, there's a risk to life. Formaldehyde and oxygen can also form explosive mixtures from a concentration of 7 vol.%.