6 Ways to Avoid Formaldehyde in Your Home

Protect Your Family Against Formaldehyde

 

furniture may contain formaldehydeMany people are worried about high levels of formaldehyde in their home – and it is a valid concern, because formaldehyde is found in many household products.

Luckily, it’s easy to avoid the effects of formaldehyde with these tips.

What’s the Problem with Formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a gas found in many home products such as draperies or curtains, easy-care clothing, cabinets and furniture, and insulation. It’s also in many disinfectants, adhesive or bonding agents, insecticides, paints, solvents, air fresheners, hobby supplies, dry-cleaned clothing, aerosol sprays, and fabric additives used in carpeting.

It is a known carcinogen (capable of causing cancer) and can cause health problems that include coughing, eye, nose, and throat irritation, skin rashes and asthma-like symptoms.

Some people feel no ill-effects at all.

People with asthma may be more sensitive to formaldehyde.

Here’s what to do:

Tip 1: Curtains or Draperies

curtains may contain formaldehydeWhy you buy new curtains or draperies, air them well (preferably outdoors) before hanging.

After hanging, ventilate the room before using it.

Tip 2: Furniture

Ask about formaldehyde content before buying furniture or cabinets. Many furniture products contain formaldehyde, but there are some options:

  • Some types of pressed-wood products, such as those with phenol resin, emit less formaldehyde
  • Products that are well sealed or coated may emit less formaldehyde
  • Choose solid wood furniture instead of laminated or pressed wood

But even if you buy furniture containing formaldehyde, just be sure to ventilate properly.

Once your furniture is at home, try to leave it outside for a while – for example on a patio or balcony if it will be protected from rain and direct sun.

If you have asthma, you may be more sensitive to formaldehyde

Then, when you bring it indoors to where it will live, be sure to open all the windows and doors and ventilate the room well before you use it.

Tip: moderate temperatures (about 80 degrees F or 26 C) and moderate humidity (less than 50%) also help.

Tip 3: Cigarettes

incense, cigarettes may contain formaldehydeCigarette smoke is a major source of indoor formaldehyde. So don’t let anyone smoke inside your home if you wish to keep it formaldehyde free.

Tip 4: Clothing

Most easy-care clothing, and clothing which has to travel to reach you, is treated with formaldehyde to reduce creasing. It you want to buy easy-care clothing, just wash it before first use.

Speaking of clothes, dry cleaning is a process that uses many harsh chemicals. Stay formaldehyde free and launder clothes at home – very few clothes nowadays truly need to be dry cleaned.

Tip 5: Paint

VOC-free paint is healthier than conventional paint, but it’s also often more expensive. Make sure a room that is painted is well aired for several days before using the room.

Tip 5: Air Fresheners and Disinfectants

Commercial air fresheners contain many chemicals and you really don’t want to use them in your home – here are some natural alternatives which will make your home smell great in no time.

home smell fresh lemonsThere are some home health products which actually aren’t good for your health, see why here. Use natural alternatives and stay formaldehyde free – you can also use lemons to clean and disinfect and keep your home smelling great.

These are easy ways to help you to avoid potential problems with formaldehyde in your home.

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Tags

chemicals, formaldehyde, home, toxins


  • Did not realise so many items contained formaldehyde. Furniture , foams and glues yes – but new clothes! Good tips as usual Clare.

    • Yes, it’s astonishing what formaldehyde is used for! But it’s good to know for for some applications, it’s easy enough to get rid of.

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