Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling chemical compound with the formula CH₂O, widely used in various industrial applications. It is a key building block in the production of many materials and chemicals, including resins, plastics, and textiles.
Formaldehyde is also a natural byproduct of combustion and certain metabolic processes in living organisms. However, it is most commonly associated with its role in manufacturing processes, particularly in the production of adhesives used in the construction of pressed wood products like plywood, particleboard, and fiberboard. Despite its utility, formaldehyde is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC), which means it can easily become a gas at room temperature, contributing to indoor air pollution when present in household products.
The health effects of formaldehyde exposure have been a subject of concern for decades. Here are some health effects that Formaldehyde may cause.
Short-Term Health Effects:
- Eye irritation: Burning, watery eyes.
- Nose and throat irritation: Sore throat, coughing, and nasal discomfort.
- Respiratory issues: Difficulty breathing or wheezing.
- Skin irritation: Redness, itching, or rash upon contact.
- Headaches: Often accompanied by dizziness or a general feeling of discomfort.
- Nausea: Feeling of sickness, sometimes leading to vomiting.
Long-Term Health Effects:
- Cancer: Classified as a known human carcinogen, particularly linked to:
- Nasopharyngeal cancer: Cancer of the upper part of the throat.
- Leukemia: Specifically, certain types such as myeloid leukemia.
- Respiratory problems: Increased risk of developing chronic conditions like asthma or bronchitis.
- Sensitization: Repeated exposure can lead to increased sensitivity, resulting in more severe reactions upon subsequent exposures.
- Potential developmental effects: Some studies suggest a risk to fetal development, though more research is needed.
Formaldehyde has long been identified with “red” warnings, but it only gains attention for a few weeks before falling into oblivion, especially from the consumer’s perspective. Manufacturers of construction materials deliberately ignore the warnings about the harmful effects of formaldehyde because investing in safe adhesives would cost 3 to 4 times more. When building personal homes, to keep costs low, people often choose cheaper construction materials, which means very low safety levels for health. Even a year after completing the new house, the smell of materials still permeates the space, which is formaldehyde.
On January 1, 2024, the QCVN 16:2023/BXD standard officially takes effect (replacing the QCVN 16:2019 standard) for the group of construction materials (CM) including bricks, stones, sand, tiles, paint, wooden boards, cement, gypsum, glass, wallpaper, PE/PP plastic pipes, etc., in the Vietnamese market.
Nowadays, most floor installers are using modern technologies to put the floors together tightly without using toxic materials like Formaldehyde. At Neo Floor, we are using locking technologies produced by top companies in flooring industries, such as i4F and Unilin to help the installation process faster and more convenient. Some technologies you can order us to apply like Uniclic, Unidrop (BEST PERFORMANCES), Unipush, Pressed-bevel….
