Measured value Formaldehyde: Causes & Origin
Formaldehyde is colorless, pungent smelling and gaseous at room temperature. The "home toxin" is found practically everywhere as an adhesive component: in wood materials, furniture and fittings, chipboard and blockboard, insulating materials, paints, varnishes, adhesives, glues, or in aqueous form in preservatives and disinfectants.
In addition, formaldehyde is formed during metabolism and occurs naturally in fruits such as apples or grapes. Formaldehyde is also formed during incomplete burns or smoking.
Is CH₂O harmful to health?
According to the European Union, formaldehyde is carcinogenic or can increase the incidence of cancer and is classified as mutagenic. The gas favors allergies, respiratory or eye irritations and can cause skin irritations in case of direct contact with the liquid solution. In addition, the substance can affect memory and the ability to concentrate, as well as cause sleep disturbances.
Danger to life exists from a concentration of 30 mg/m³. Together with oxygen, formaldehydes form explosive mixtures from a concentration of 7% by volume.
How can you protect yourself from the health risks of formaldehyde?
- Look out for the "Blue Angel" product label when making new purchases or the "Golden M" quality mark (RAL quality mark 430) when buying furniture.
- Use only building materials with the "Low emission E1" certificate.
- Measure the concentration of formaldehyde in the room air with an air meter such as the air-Q and ensure sufficient fresh air supply by intermittent ventilation.
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