FORMALDEHYDE

Formaldehyde is probably one of the main pollutants of indoor air, where it accumulates relatively easily with the existence of a single source. We can find it in cosmetics for its preserving and antibacterial function. It is also found in adhesives for joining melamine boards and wood veneers. In clothing and cleaning products, it can be used for its antibacterial function.

At low concentrations, formaldehyde causes nausea, irritation of eyes, respiratory tract and skin. Inhalation of formaldehyde at high concentrations causes severe irritation of the respiratory tract. However, the most important toxicity characteristic is its official consideration of carcinogenicity by both the European Union and the WHO expert group.

For interior spaces, the optimum value should be 0.0 ppm. Fortunately, Formaldehyde is regulated in some of the aforementioned products, although buildings with high levels of formaldehyde are still found for different causes.