What Is Formaldehyde Exposure? Signs and Prevention Methods

Did you know that furniture and household products you use every day may negatively affect your health? One of the main causes is exposure to a chemical compound called formaldehyde. So, what exactly is formaldehyde?

What Is Formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a strong odor. Manufacturers commonly use it in building materials and household products. This chemical often appears in plywood, particle board, fiberboard, adhesives, and glue-based products. Low-quality engineered wood products that contain formaldehyde-based adhesives often release this substance indoors. In addition, unprocessed fuel-burning appliances such as gas stoves, wood-burning systems, and kerosene heaters can also increase indoor formaldehyde levels. Formaldehyde sometimes appears in low concentrations in cosmetics and personal care products. Although these levels are usually lower than dangerous thresholds, they may still temporarily increase indoor chemical exposure. Wood flooring without formaldehyde is safer for human health.

How to Recognize Formaldehyde Exposure?

When airborne formaldehyde exceeds 0.1 parts per million (ppm), the body may react with symptoms such as:

• Watery eyes
• Burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Nausea
• Skin irritation

In addition, formaldehyde found in cosmetics and consumer products may trigger skin allergies, including redness, itching, and rashes.

How Does Formaldehyde Enter the Body?

People mainly absorb formaldehyde through breathing. In liquid form, the body may also absorb it through the skin. The human body naturally produces small amounts of this chemical. Enzymes then break it down into formate (formic acid), which later converts into carbon dioxide. Most inhaled formaldehyde breaks down inside the mouth, nose, throat, and respiratory tract. However, part of the substance still enters the bloodstream directly. Scientists also identify formaldehyde as a possible cause of cancer in humans and animals.

What Do Health Organizations Say About Formaldehyde?

The National Toxicology Program (NTP), formed by several U.S. government agencies, classifies formaldehyde as “a known human carcinogen.” The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization (WHO), also identifies formaldehyde as “carcinogenic to humans” because of its links to nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia. Meanwhile, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS), which classifies formaldehyde as “a probable human carcinogen.”

How to Reduce Formaldehyde Exposure?

You can reduce indoor formaldehyde levels by avoiding smoking indoors and improving ventilation throughout the home. In addition, air conditioners and dehumidifiers help regulate temperature and humidity levels more effectively. Plants such as peace lilies, snake plants, and spider plants also help absorb formaldehyde and purify indoor air. Most importantly, you should choose furniture from trusted brands that provide full CO and CQ certifications for materials. Currently, Truong Thang wood furniture products meet E1 standards with formaldehyde emissions ≤ 0.005 ppm. These products qualify for export to Japan, Europe, and the United States.

Contact Truong Thang for an interior consultation tailored to your lifestyle!

Founded in 2004, Truong Thang has been driven by the vision of building a premium, sustainable interior ecosystem. We are committed to delivering high-quality products that are safe for your health. At the same time, our solutions are tailored to the needs and lifestyle of Vietnamese families.

If you’re looking for interior design and building solutions for your home, Truong Thang is a trusted choice. We offer products crafted from premium materials, with refined design and flexible application across various styles and modern living spaces.