Have you ever thought about what might be in the air that you breathe? It's easy to forget that the air we inhale every day can contain harmful chemicals and pollutants that can have serious health consequences.
One of the most common and dangerous of these pollutants is formaldehyde, a colorless gas that can be found in everything from building materials to household products.
If you're an owner of an air purifier or considering buying one, understanding the dangers of formaldehyde and how to protect yourself and your family is crucial.
In this article, I'll tell you everything you need to know about formaldehyde, how it affects your health, and how an air purifier can help you stay safe.
So fasten your seatbelts and get ready to relax!
Understanding Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a gas that is flammable, has no color, and smells very bad.
It is made of organic matter and is the simplest aldehyde.
Formaldehyde is used in large amounts in a variety of chemical manufacturing processes and is produced principally by the vapor-phase oxidation of methanol.
It is commonly sold as formalin, a 37 percent aqueous solution.
Sources of Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is found in resins used in the manufacture of composite wood products, building materials and insulation, household products such as glues, permanent press fabrics, paints and coatings, lacquers and finishes, and paper products.
It is also used as a fungicide, germicide, and disinfectant in the workplace, as well as a preservative in morgues and medical labs.
Formaldehyde happens naturally and is "an essential intermediate in cellular metabolism in mammals and other organisms as part of normal metabolic processes." Formaldehyde is also made when methane and other carbon compounds are burned, or oxidized.
This can happen in forest fires, car exhaust, and tobacco smoke, for example.
Exposure to Formaldehyde
According to a report from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission from 1997, formaldehyde is usually present in both indoor and outdoor air at low levels, usually less than 0.03 parts of formaldehyde per million parts of air (ppm).
Small amounts of formaldehyde are in the air and in some foods and manufactured goods, so everyone is exposed to it.
When you breathe in low amounts of formaldehyde, it can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat.
Formaldehyde can cause skin rashes, shortness of breath, wheezing, and changes in the way the lungs work at higher levels.
Some people are more sensitive than others, so something that doesn't bother some people may make them sick or feel bad.
Formaldehyde may have more of an effect on children, the elderly, and people with asthma or other breathing problems.
Health Effects of Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde can hurt your health in many ways, like making your skin, eyes, nose, and throat itch.
Some types of cancer may be caused by a lot of exposure.
Formaldehyde is a very reactive molecule that can irritate tissues directly when it comes in contact with them.
Studies on both people and animals have shown that formaldehyde can directly irritate the tissues it comes in contact with at certain levels of exposure.
Formaldehyde may cause asthma at work, but this does not seem to happen very often.
People who work in factories that make formaldehyde or products with formaldehyde in them, lab technicians, certain health care professionals, and people who work in mortuaries may be exposed to more formaldehyde than the average person.
Formaldehyde gets into the bodies of most people when they breathe contaminated air indoors or out, or when they smoke cigarettes.
Air Purifiers and Formaldehyde
Air purifiers can help lower the amount of formaldehyde in the air inside.
Some air cleaners use activated carbon filters to get rid of formaldehyde and other VOCs (VOCs).
Formaldehyde particles can be caught by HEPA filters in other air purifiers.
It is important to choose an air cleaner that is made to get rid of formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
It is also important to follow the instructions from the manufacturer for how to use and care for the air purifier.
Formaldehyde is a chemical that is found all around us and in many household items.
Small amounts of formaldehyde are in the air and in some foods and manufactured goods, so everyone is exposed to it.
Formaldehyde can hurt your health in many ways, like making your skin, eyes, nose, and throat itch.
Some types of cancer may be caused by a lot of exposure.
Air purifiers can help lower the amount of formaldehyde in the air inside.
The Relevance of Chemical Pollutants in Air Purifiers: Focus on Formaldehyde
Chemical pollutants are a major concern when it comes to indoor air quality.
Formaldehyde, a colorless gas with a pungent odor, is one of the most common chemical pollutants found in homes and offices.
It is released from various sources such as building materials, furniture, and household products.
Formaldehyde exposure can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, and in high concentrations, it can lead to more serious health problems such as cancer.
Air purifiers are an effective solution to reduce formaldehyde levels in indoor air.
However, not all air purifiers are created equal, and it is important to choose one that is specifically designed to remove chemical pollutants like formaldehyde.
By investing in a high-quality air purifier, you can breathe easier and protect your health from harmful chemical pollutants.
For more information:
Chemical Pollutants & Air Purifiers: A GuideChemical Pollutants & Air Purifiers: A Guide
Sources of Formaldehyde in Indoor Air
Formaldehyde is often found in indoor air from a variety of sources, such as:
- Building materials: Formaldehyde is commonly found in building materials such as plywood, particleboard, and medium-density fiberboard (MDF). These materials are often used in furniture, cabinets, and flooring.
- Household products: Formaldehyde is also found in many household products, including cleaning agents, air fresheners, and personal care products.
- Combustion sources: Formaldehyde is produced when fuels such as natural gas, propane, and kerosene are burned. This can occur in gas stoves, fireplaces, and other combustion sources.
- Tobacco smoke: Tobacco smoke is a significant source of formaldehyde in indoor air.
- Outdoor air: Formaldehyde is also present in outdoor air, and can enter indoor spaces through open windows and doors.
Health Effects of Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a common indoor air pollutant, and being exposed to high levels of it can cause health problems like irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as breathing problems.
Some people who are exposed to high levels of formaldehyde can get watery eyes, burning in the eyes and throat, nausea, and trouble breathing (above 0.1 parts per million).
From 0.02 to 4 parts per million, formaldehyde is found in indoor air (ppm).
Measuring Formaldehyde Levels in Indoor Air
To measure formaldehyde levels in indoor air, a qualified professional with the training and equipment to test formaldehyde levels in homes should be hired.
There are several ways to measure formaldehyde, such as passive samplers, active samplers, and real-time monitors.
Passive samplers are small, cheap devices that are put in a home for a certain amount of time and then sent to a lab for testing.
Active samplers use a pump to pull air through a collection medium, which is then sent to a lab for testing.
Real-time monitors keep checking for formaldehyde levels all the time and give results right away.
Reducing Exposure to Formaldehyde
To cut down on formaldehyde exposure, it's best to buy products that say they don't have formaldehyde, improve ventilation in indoor spaces, and don't smoke inside.
You can lower the amount of formaldehyde in your home by doing the following:
- Increase ventilation, particularly after bringing new sources of formaldehyde into the home.
- Reduce formaldehyde already in the home by opening windows for a few minutes every few days to let in fresh air, unless you have asthma triggered by outdoor air pollution or pollen or you�re concerned about safety.
- Install and use exhaust fans as much as possible.
Formaldehyde is a common pollutant in indoor air that can hurt your health if there is too much of it.
It's important to know where formaldehyde usually comes from inside and take steps to limit your exposure.
We can lower the amount of formaldehyde in our homes and improve the quality of the air inside by using products without formaldehyde, increasing ventilation, and not smoking inside.
Air Purifiers and Formaldehyde
Understanding HEPA Filters
HEPA filters are a type of air filter that can get rid of at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and other airborne particles bigger than 0.3 microns.
High-efficiency particulate air filter is what "HEPA" stands for.
Either plastic (PP+PET) or fiberglass is used to make HEPA filters.
They are made of a mat of randomly arranged fibers that can catch things like pollen, viruses, bacteria, mold, and PM2.5.
How HEPA Filters Work
HEPA filters work in three ways: by diffusion, by catching particles, and by squeezing them together.
When gas molecules smaller than 0.1 microns bump into each other, they slow down and take longer to pass through the filter.
This is called diffusion.
Interception happens when airborne particles stick to a fiber.
Impact is when bigger air particles get stuck right in the fibers.
Benefits of HEPA Filters
HEPA filters are much better for your health than regular filters because they can stop mold spores, bacteria, and even some viruses.
They help clean the air and make it better by getting rid of allergens and microbes.
Most air purifiers, vacuum cleaners, and HVAC systems have HEPA filters.
To make sure the filter works well, it's important to follow the maintenance and replacement instructions from the manufacturer.
Formaldehyde and Air Purifiers
Formaldehyde is a dangerous gas that is often in the air inside.
Formaldehyde can't be taken out of the air by HEPA filters.
The only filter that can reduce formaldehyde levels is a carbon air filter.
Formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be taken out of the air with the help of activated carbon filters.
In fact, most air purifiers on the market can get rid of formaldehyde because their filters have activated carbon in them.
Activated Carbon Filters
Air purifiers with activated carbon filters are a great way to get rid of formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air inside.
The more activated carbon an air purifier has, the longer it will efficiently adsorb VOCs like formaldehyde.
Combining an activated carbon and HEPA filter in an air purifier will also result in fewer particles, microorganisms, and allergens floating around.
Other Ways to Remove Formaldehyde
There are other ways to get rid of formaldehyde in the air besides air purifiers.
The VOCs in the air can be cut down with the EnviroKlenz HVAC filter, making your home a healthier place to live.
The filter neutralizes and removes VOCs and toxic vapors from the indoor environment, eliminating stubborn odors by destroying noxious chemicals and odors rather than just trapping particulates.
But you should know that not all air purifiers or HVAC filters can get rid of formaldehyde.
Only air purifiers and filters with activated carbon components are effective in removing formaldehyde from indoor air.
Other Air Purifiers and Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde and Air Purifiers: What You Need to Know
Formaldehyde is a common volatile organic compound (VOC) that can be found in furniture, flooring, and cleaning supplies, among other things.
Formaldehyde can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, cause breathing problems, and even lead to cancer.
To get rid of formaldehyde from the air inside, you need an air purifier with a filter made of activated carbon or charcoal.
VOCs like formaldehyde can't get back into the air because these filters are porous and can catch them.
Air Purifiers for Formaldehyde Removal
There are a number of air purifiers on the market that can get rid of formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from indoor air.
Here are some well-liked choices:
- IQAir GC MultiGas Medical-Grade Air Purifier: This air purifier uses activated carbon to remove formaldehyde and other VOCs.
- Molekule Air Purifier: This air purifier uses advanced PECO filtration technology to eliminate up to 99.9% of VOCs and formaldehyde.
- Mila air purifier: This air purifier features seven different types of filters, including a HEPA filter, and is effective at eliminating toxic chemicals and VOCs from the air.
- Oransi Mod, Austin Air HealthMate B400B1, AIRDOCTOR, NuWave OxyPure Smart Air Purifier, Dyson Pure Cool TP04, Bissell Air220, and LEVOIT LV-PUR131: These air purifiers are also effective at removing formaldehyde and VOCs.
When buying an air purifier, it's important to look at the type of filter to make sure it can get rid of formaldehyde.
Gaseous pollutants like VOCs and formaldehyde are not taken out by HEPA filters.
Replacing Air Purifier Filters
Air purifiers use HEPA filters to catch small particles like dust, pollen, and pet hair.
How long a HEPA filter lasts depends on the type of filter, the air quality, and the environment.
As a general rule, HEPA filters that can be changed should be changed every 6 to 12 months.
Some HEPA filters are so strong, though, that they don't need to be changed for up to a year.
Smart Air Filters says that the Sqair HEPA filter should be changed every 1400 hours, which is about 6 months if the Sqair runs for 8 hours a day on high.
Air purifiers may have HEPA filters and carbon pre-filters that need to be changed every 3 months.
Permanent filters don't need to be changed, but they should be cleaned every so often to get rid of any dust that has built up.
Air purifier filters need to be changed often because over time, the particles that get caught in the filter can build up and make the air purifier less effective.
HEPA filters are some of the best air filters on the market because they can catch 99.97% of the smallest particles.
The life of a HEPA filter depends on the type of filter, the air quality, and the environment, but there are some general rules for when to replace it.
Reducing Formaldehyde in Indoor Air
Formaldehyde is a gas that is odorless and has a strong taste.
It can make your eyes water, burn your eyes and throat, make you sick, and make it hard to breathe.
It is a common indoor air pollutant that can be found in glues, permanent-press fabrics, paints and coatings, lacquers and finishes, and paper products, among other things.
Formaldehyde is also found in some medicines, cosmetics, and other consumer products like dishwashing liquids and fabric softeners.
Sources of Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is used to give clothes and curtains a "permanent press" quality, as a part of glues and adhesives, and as a preservative in some paints and coatings.
It is also used to make composite wood products like hardwood plywood, particleboard, and medium-density fiberboard.
It is also used to make insulation.
Some pressed wood products made for indoor use are particleboard, hardwood plywood paneling, and medium-density fiberboard.
Particleboard is used as subflooring, shelving, and in cabinetry and furniture.
Formaldehyde can also be found in some fabrics, like permanent press fabrics used for curtains, drapes, and furniture.
There are several ways to reduce formaldehyde in indoor air.
- Choose low-formaldehyde products when building or remodeling. Furniture and pressed-wood board made with laminated surfaces release less formaldehyde and other VOCs. If possible, use non-toxic alternatives to formaldehyde-containing products like glue and adhesives.
- Ventilate indoor spaces. Open windows for a few minutes every few days to let in fresh air. Use air conditioning and dehumidifiers to maintain moderate temperature and reduce humidity levels. Increase ventilation, particularly after bringing new sources of formaldehyde into the home.
- Wash permanent-press clothing and curtains before using them to reduce formaldehyde from new products. Let new products release formaldehyde outside of your living space before you install or use them inside, for example in a garage or on a patio. If possible, keep them out of your living space until you can no longer smell a chemical odor.
- Use high-quality air purifiers with activated carbon filters to remove formaldehyde from indoor air. The EnviroKlenz air filter, for example, can reduce VOCs in your air, making your home a healthier place to live.
- Eliminate or reduce smoking inside the home since formaldehyde is a byproduct of combustion and is found in cigarette smoke.
Choosing Low-Formaldehyde Products
To avoid being exposed to formaldehyde, it is best to buy home products that have low or no formaldehyde.
Look for furniture, wood cabinets, or flooring made without urea-formaldehyde (UF) glues and pressed-wood products that meet ultra-low emitting formaldehyde (ULEF) or no added formaldehyde (NAF) standards.
To lower the amount of formaldehyde in the air inside, choose products with low levels of formaldehyde, open windows and doors, wash new items before using them, use air purifiers with activated carbon filters, and stop or cut down on smoking inside the home.
People who are worried about getting too much formaldehyde from personal care products and cosmetics can avoid using those items.
By following these steps, you can make your home a healthier place for you and your family to live.
Conclusion
In conclusion, formaldehyde is a harmful VOC that can be found in many household materials and products.
It can lead to a wide range of health problems, from irritated eyes and throats to cancer.
As a good homeowner, you should take steps to limit your exposure to formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Getting an air purifier is one way to do this that works well.
Not every air cleaner is the same, though.
Find one that gets rid of VOCs in particular and has a high CADR (clean air delivery rate) for VOCs.
Also think about the size of the room you will be using it in and how loud it will be.
Remember that an air purifier is just one tool you can use to fight formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
It is also important to choose products and materials with low VOC levels whenever possible and to make sure your home has enough air flow.
If you do these things, you can make your home healthier and safer for you and your family.
At the end of the day, it's up to each of us to take care of our own health and well-being.
By learning about the dangers of formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and taking steps to limit our exposure, we can improve our own lives and the world around us.
So, let's take a step toward a healthier future by making choices based on information and investing in our health today.
Links and references
My article on the topic:
VOCs: Sources, Risks, & Air PurifiersVOCs: Sources, Risks, & Air Purifiers