A man is coughing at home due to high amount of formaldehyde at home.

Limiting Formaldehyde in Homes – Eco Friendly Choices for Better Living

ByZoey Loo

For years we have been using wood as a primary material for making various objects in our homes. The resin used in many of such wooden furnishing always has some level of formaldehyde in it.  

However, surely very few of us know, that,

Continued contact with formaldehyde, even while breathing can adversely impact your health and harm the people you love.

So, in order to ensure the well-being and healthiness of your family members and the people around you, you need to limit the levels of formaldehyde in your home.

The above has been proven through several scientific studies and advanced researches around the world.  

According to a report published by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission in 1997, formaldehyde is present in almost every home, at low levels, inside as well as outside.

The excessive use of objects and materials that contain formaldehyde leads to its release as vapors or gas in the air, which is bad for our health and the environment.

In addition to causing short-term effects such as irritation of the skin, eyes, nose and throat, higher levels of formaldehyde exposure can potentially lead to long-term medical effects like cancer.

In this article, we will provide you with all the necessary information you need to know about formaldehyde and the harmful effects it may cause in your homes.

Aimed to provide you with a better understanding of its effects on human health and creating more environmentally friendly homes, we hope this information can help you in making wiser decisions that will safeguard the health of your loved ones and your own.  

Let us first look at the basics. 

What is Formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a chemical substance that is colorless, pungent-smelling, and flammable. No home can be completely free from formaldehyde because it is present in almost every household object ranging from furniture to even cosmetics.

Formaldehyde is a Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)

Formaldehyde is classified as a Volatile Organic Compound, a chemical substance that is solid, but releases gases or vapors in the air around it. According to the US Environment Protection Agency, formaldehyde is categorized as a VOC pollutant that impacts the air quality of indoor living.

Places Formaldehyde is Commonly Found in Homes

Found in several objects and ongoing processes in our homes, formaldehyde can be released from different types of household furniture, fuel-burning appliances and building materials including pressed wood, adhesives, fabrics, germicides, disinfectants, and insulation materials.

Studies have proven that formaldehyde levels are much higher in homes with new products, particularly home furnishings, as well as a house that have just undergone construction. Wood-based home furnishing products such as flooring, cabinetries, and wall paints contain highest levels of this non substance as compared to other objects found in homes.

Health Effects Caused by Exposure to Formaldehyde in Homes

As previously mentioned, formaldehyde inhaled or consumed in more than a specific amount for prolonged periods can have very harsh effects on human health.

  • Short-Term Effects

Some short-term effects of formaldehyde in your home may include:

  • Coughing
  • Scratchy or watery eyes
  • Burning sensation in throat, eyes, and nose
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nosebleeds
  • Nausea.
  • Long-Term Impact

Many studies and researches have been conducted to find out the effects of formaldehyde on human health.

Accordingly,

Medical experts and researchers suggest that although almost everyone is affected by formaldehyde and its harmful VOCs, some people may be at higher risk of getting affected.

Such people include:

  • Children and Infants
  • Elderly People
  • Pregnant women
  • People with respiratory illnesses or any type of lung conditions.

Solutions to Reduce Formaldehyde in Homes

Although formaldehyde cannot be totally eliminated from our homes, there are still many ways in which we can lower the levels of its exposure.

These methods include: 

  • Opening windows and improving indoor ventilation
  • Installing exhaust fans and accelerating air circulation
  • Keeping home temperatures and humidity levels appropriate
  • Use furniture, cabinets, floorings, and other objects made from formaldehyde-free materials
  • Installing cabinets and shelves made from ultra-low emitting pressed wood
  • Use objects with no VOC labels.

Make Better and Healthier Choices for Your Homes

Choose Products Made with Super E0 Materials

People can limit formaldehyde exposure by using Super E0 grade certified wood materials to make eco-friendly homes. The main difference between Super E0 grade certified wood materials and normal wood is the type of resin used.

There are two types of formaldehyde resin; urea formaldehyde (UF) and phenol formaldehyde (PF) – commonly used as adhesive for binding together panels of exterior-grade plywood, melamine and laminated panels. Super E0 board emits much lower levels of formaldehyde as they mostly contain PF instead of UF. UF generally emits higher levels of formaldehyde.

Super E0 represents a new standard in formaldehyde emission control, going beyond the E0 grade with even lower emissions, making it the safest and most eco-friendly choice for household use.

Low-Formaldehyde Cabinetry – The Right Option for Healthy Eco-Friendly Living

To safeguard your own health and the wellbeing of the people that you love, you need to make wiser choices of the materials that you use in your eco-friendly homes especially cabinetry and storage shelves.  

ACE Cabinet Design – The Best Choice for Your Super E0 Grade Low Formaldehyde Home Cabinets and Storage

ACE Cabinet Design is one of the leading names in Cabinetry and Home renovation services in Malaysia. We offer the best quality, low formaldehyde-certified materials for all your home renovation and cabinetry needs.

Committed to making your home a safe, secure and a healthy place to live in, we are the best choice for premium quality cabinet work for your kitchens, bedrooms, and other living areas at affordable prices.

Why Choose ACE Cabinet Design?

We are the best choice for your Super E0 grade home furnishings because

  • Every team member at ACE gives top priority to customer’s health and overall wellbeing
  • We ensure to provide cabinetries made from tested and certified low formaldehyde materials
  • We are the first company in Malaysia that offers Water Damage Warranty.

Contact Us Today

Contact us today and get in touch with our eco-friendly home remodeling specialist to get the best solution that fits in your home and furnishing needs.  

We specialize in providing:

  • Home remodeling solutions
  • Custom-made cabinetry
  • Interior design

Here at ACE Cabinet Design, we will carry out a free comprehensive survey of your home to ensure we fully understand the structure and fabric of your property, as well as taking the time to get to know you so we can incorporate appliances that will suit your lifestyle.

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