Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound (VOC) that you can’t see, but it can make you sick. Here’s what you need to know to stay protected.
29 August 2024
Top image: Project by akiHAUS Design Studio
Text by Janice Seow
Formaldehyde and its harmful effects have become quite the topic of discussion in recent weeks, following several news reports of people falling ill due to the high levels of the chemical found in their home. A recent article in The Straits Times has, for example, reported a case of a homeowner who was hospitalised because of it, and was forced to redo the renovation of her new home to eradicate the problem.
Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound (VOC) that can be found in various building materials and household products. “The most common materials in homes that contain significant levels of formaldehyde are the carpentry works, mainly in the plywood and adhesive used,” says Lawrence Puah, Design Director of akiHAUS Design Studio. “Paint, adhesives used in other building works such as flooring (timber, vinyl, etcetera), and even natural oils used to seal timber works contain VOCs and formaldehyde,” he adds.
Common adverse reactions to formaldehyde can include respiratory issues, eye irritation, skin reactions, headache, dizziness and even longer-term chronic health problems.
There are currently no regulatory restrictions on the use of compounds containing formaldehyde in renovation works, though the government is actively studying the issue, and Singapore will be banning formaldehyde in paint used for the interiors of buildings from January 2026.
According to Tung Ching Yew, President of Society of Interior Designers Singapore (SIDS), and Managing Director of SODA (Spirit Of Design Analogy), interior designers have an important role to play in helping homeowners reduce exposure to formaldehyde by aiding them in making informed choices regarding materials, furnishings and finishes. He says: “Designers can, for example, specify low-emitting or formaldehyde-free materials, such as eco-plywood instead of traditional plywood, or choose MDF and particleboard that meet low formaldehyde emission standards. They can also recommend products and materials that have been certified GREENMARK, which is a certification scheme developed by Building and Construction Authority (BCA) that ensures that they meet strict chemical emissions standards.”
Cost, however, is a big influencing factor. Lawrence says: “The concerns about VOCs and formaldehyde have always been something that we pay attention to. However, as with any major shifts to the status quo in the construction industry, the key resistor to change has always been cost. Most materials that contain low levels of VOCs and formaldehyde tend to be higher in cost, some as much as two to three times such as the cost of plywood.”
Despite this, Lawrence says that interior designers can make an active effort to source for low VOC alternatives at similar prices (such as paint), as well as offer their clients wider options so they can make better and more informed material and cost comparisons. And while it may still be unavoidable to use these materials, there are ways that interior designers can help to minimise their harmful effects.
He explains: “For example, some building materials such as adhesives and paint tend to off-gas for a shorter period of time after application compared to something like plywood, which is basically multiple layers of thin plies of wood bonded together using adhesive. In this case, the VOCs and formaldehyde content is ‘trapped’ and will slowly off-gas over a very long period of time. As such, where possible, designers can make sure to factor in time during the renovation process to allow these materials to off-gas after application so as to minimise the amount of VOCs and formaldehyde present for the homeowner. However, if time is a concern, there are now specialists in the market that provide the service of extracting as much of these harmful chemicals as possible after renovation.”
Homeowners themselves can take steps to reduce their risk to formaldehyde and VOC exposure. Ching Yew offers these tips:
Choose Low-Formaldehyde Products: Opt for furniture, cabinetry, and building materials that are labelled as low-emitting, or GREENMARK certified.
Increase Ventilation: Improve home ventilation by regularly opening windows, using extractor fans, or installing mechanical ventilation systems to reduce indoor formaldehyde concentrations.
Use Air Purifiers: Invest in high-quality air purifiers equipped with activated carbon filters and HEPA filters to reduce indoor formaldehyde levels and other VOCs.
Control Indoor Humidity: Keeping humidity levels below 50 per cent can reduce the release of formaldehyde from materials. Dehumidifiers or air conditioners can help maintain appropriate humidity levels.
Let New Items Off-Gas: Before bringing new furniture, carpets, or building materials into the home, let them air out in a well-ventilated space, such as a garage or balcony, for several days.
Regular Testing: Homeowners can conduct regular air quality tests, either through professional services or DIY testing kits, to monitor formaldehyde levels, particularly after renovation or the introduction of new furnishings.
Avoid Products with Urea-Formaldehyde: Where possible, avoid products that are known to contain urea-formaldehyde resins, as they are more likely to emit formaldehyde.
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