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Formaldehyde Emissions: What You Need to Know

Formaldehyde in Your Home

Scientist

Formaldehyde is a compound chemical made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen that is found literally everywhere, since it occurs naturally and is synthesized for industrial use in everyday products. The list of household and personal care products that contain small amounts of formaldehyde is endless, and it can also be found in processed wood products, like furniture, siding, and flooring. While it is a very useful chemical used to make clothes permanent-pressed, as a preservative, and as part of the makeup of adhesive products, it is also dangerous and exposure can wreak havoc with your health in high concentration.

Reactions to Formaldehyde

Reactions to formaldehyde emissions vary. Some people have no reaction, while others have severe and potentially life-threatening response to exposure. Symptoms include eye, nose, and throat irritation, respiratory difficulties like wheezing and coughing, skin rash, headaches and fatigue, and in some cases, extreme allergic reactions. Allergies can develop at any time, even in a person who has never been prone to them. Formaldehyde is also a suspected carcinogen and is proven to trigger attacks in people with asthma.

The Good News

The good news is that formaldehyde emissions decrease over time. A house built in the 1970s before there were any emission standards in place is not likely to still leach formaldehyde gas into your home. The most exposure occurs when the wood product is newly installed. Formaldehyde, unlike some other volatile organic chemicals found in the home, does not accumulate in the fat cells over time.

Source of Formaldehyde Emissions

A great deal of wood flooring is manufactured of layers of wood particles or veneers pressed together and sealed with adhesives containing urea formaldehyde resin. Low-end flooring, even made from materials that you expect to be “green” can be manufactured with this adhesive, and have formaldehyde emissions of 0.237ppm as a result. Because the real danger is in the manufacturing process, it’s a mistake to assume something is eco-friendly because it is made from an eco-friendly product. Before you make a decision to buy, make sure you get all the facts.

Formaldehyde emissions
Yanchi T&G Solid Strand Woven Bamboo Flooring / SKU: 15188583 – Ultra low VOC with no added urea formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde Ratings

Europe

European standards recommended in 2000 by the European Panel Industry defined formaldehyde emissions ratings. Original ratings included E1, measuring 9mg/100g and below, E2, measuring greater than 9mg/100g to below 30mg/100g, and E3, measuring a greater than 30mg/100g ratio. Pressure for more stringent standards led to a new ratings classification, E0, based on emissions measuring 0.5mg per liter and below. Europeans test methodology is based on the Perforator Test Method, which measures the formaldehyde levels inside the wood specimen.

Japan

Japan has also defined formaldehyde emissions ratings. The Japanese JIS/JAS Formaldehyde Adhesive Emission Standards, defined by the set forth by the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) and Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) departments, use a different testing methodology, the Desiccator Test Method which measures emissions released from the wood. Ratings are assigned in four categories, F*, F**, F***, and F****, with F**** having the lowest level of formaldehyde emissions below 0.005 mg/m2h. Comparing these two standards is difficult due to the different methods and to different units of measurement.

United States

The United States has been slow to address this concern, but a rating system released in 2007 by the California Air Regulatory Board (CARB) aims to correct that. The Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) specifies staggered implementation dates ranging from 2009 to 2010 (depending on product) for a two-phase plan that calls for compliance on emissions levels in particleboard, MDF, thin MDF and hardwood plywood. CARB studies suggest that up to 5% of formaldehyde emissions are generated by composite wood products.

Phase 1 of the CARB plan already in effect requires that adhesive formaldehyde emissions measure equal to or less than 0.08 ppm (parts per million), a figure that exceeds OSHA standards already in play.

Phase 2, set for January 1, 2010, will force formaldehyde emissions in adhesives even lower, to 0.05 ppm, a higher standard than that of the European E0.

Logistical Reality

The cost of trying to regulate a global building industry is significant on every level. Enforcement of a U.S. standard presents a problem of staggering proportion in terms of manpower and logistics, considering how much processed wood is imported from overseas and the sheer volume of product that would have to be monitored. For U.S. manufacturers, the burden of retooling to meet new standards falls to them and ultimately to the consumer, because the cost is likely be passed on.

The Composite Panel Association (CPA) and other industry leaders have voiced some concerns about this ruling and asked for modifications. Citing costs and the difficulty of testing finished products, Bill Perdue, of the American Home Furnishings Alliance, says the impact could be tremendous, especially as it affects small manufacturers, like thousands of cabinet and furniture makers. Businesses located in California will face a distinct disadvantage in supply.

For the California Air Regulatory Board, the choice was clear and the vote unanimous, health concerns supersede cost. Expectations are that the rest of the country will follow suit, and U.S. manufacturers will be eager to get onboard and stay ahead of legislation sure to follow.

The Future is Here

There are already products on the market that have low VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions, some of them for years. In order to know exactly what you’re getting, find out what rating the flooring has. Look for E0, E1, F****, P1 or P2 CARB ratings for the most environmentally sound investment, and if the flooring is to be glued down, ask for VOC-free adhesives. It may cost a little more, but cleaner air will be worth it.

2019 Update

Regulations regarding formaldehyde emission standards have continued to evolve. As of March 22, 2019, all composite wood products sold int he United States must be TSCA Title VI compliant and labelled as such. All laminated products must comply by March 22, 2024.

(81) Comments

  1. You wrote :
    Phase 2, set for January 1, 2010, will force formaldehyde emissions in adhesives even lower, to 0.05 ppm, a higher standard than that of the European E0

    Then can you let me know test methods for this formaldehyde emissions in adhesives?

    Thanks.

  2. Do real (non-engineered) hardwood floors you carry have any formaldehyde in them? If not, what other chemicals do they contain that make you include California Proposition 65 message in product description?
    thanks.

  3. Pingback: Protect your home with safe flooring free from formaldehyde – Real Estate and Property

    • BuildDirect Product Expert Team

      Hi Stan,

      Thank you for getting in touch! No, porcelain tile does not contain formaldehyde. Please let us know if you have any other questions!

  4. I am interested in purchasing the Plum Island Maple, 12 MM, from Lamton’s New England Collection but the Lumber Liquidator’s China Laminate has me scared of all laminates. Can you provide the VOC emissions specs, particularly the formaldehyde emissons/level specs, for this particular product? I have two small children at home and I would feel much better buying with this information. Thank you.

    • BuildDirect Product Expert

      Hi Tephaine,

      Thanks for the question. Unfortunately we cannot provide emissions specs for specific products. For information on VOC emissions specs and CARB ratings please visit this third party website (http://www.arb.ca.gov/html/fact_sheets/composite_wood_flooring_faq.pdf).

      BuildDirect has a number of safeguards in place to ensure the safety and quality of its flooring products. For example, we conduct a comprehensive onboarding process for suppliers, regardless of country of origin (including China). All laminate flooring available on the BuildDirect site is held to CARB 2 standards, which are the strictest emissions standards in the world, regardless of where the product is sold across the country. To find out the exact emissions specs for this particular product, we recommend contacting Lamton directly.

      If you have further questions or if you’d like to speak with a representative please email Gary Sandur at Garysandur@builddirect.com.

  5. I was interested in your jasper engineered hardwood. It is he contoured birch collection- sesame color. I wanted to see about info on this flooring and formaldehyde. Thanks in advance!

    • BuildDirect Product Expert Team

      Hi Nicole,

      Thank you for getting in touch! Engineered floors have two different core types, plywood and high density fiberboard. The emission issues that other companies have been having only apply to the high density fiberboard because of the glue and resin used to bind the wood particles in the fiberboard together. The floor you are interested in is made with a plywood core so you do not have these issues.

      For information on CARB ratings please visit this third party website (http://www.arb.ca.gov/html/fact_sheets/composite_wood_flooring_faq.pdf).

      BuildDirect has a number of safeguards in place to ensure the safety and quality of its flooring products. For example, we conduct a comprehensive onboarding process for suppliers, regardless of country of origin (including China). All laminate flooring available on the BuildDirect site is held to CARB 2 standards, which are the strictest emissions standards in the world, regardless of where the product is sold across the country. As a leader in the industry, we strive to provide our customers with as much information about our products as possible.

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  7. Douglas Nicholson

    Installed made in America Somerset 1/2″ SolidPlus Engineered Hardwood flooring (stapled to 1/4″ ply. underlayment purchased from Home Depot – which was glued and screwed to the existing 13 year old standard 3/4 T/G sub floor about a year ago. Specs. from Somerset do not include info on possible formaldehyde emissions.
    Is there a way that I can home test for formaldehyde and if so what levels of emission is acceptable?

    Thanks

  8. I just purchased 1,400 sqft of Vanier Brazilian Pecan Nature (engineered) and was wondering if this wood floor contains formaldehyde (CH2O)? It sure smells like it.

    • BuildDirect Product Expert Team

      Hi Tommy,

      Thank you for getting in touch! Engineered floors have two different core types, plywood and high density fiberboard. The emission issues that other companies have been having only apply to the high density fiberboard because of the glue and resin used to bind the wood particles in the fiberboard together. Your flooring is made with a plywood core so you do not have these issues.

      For information on CARB ratings please visit this third party website (http://www.arb.ca.gov/html/fact_sheets/composite_wood_flooring_faq.pdf).

      BuildDirect has a number of safeguards in place to ensure the safety and quality of its flooring products. For example, we conduct a comprehensive onboarding process for suppliers, regardless of country of origin (including China). All laminate flooring available on the BuildDirect site is held to CARB 2 standards, which are the strictest emissions standards in the world, regardless of where the product is sold across the country. As a leader in the industry, we strive to provide our customers with as much information about our products as possible.

  9. MY DAUGHTER AND SON-IN-LAW JUST BOUGHT WOOD FLOORING FROM MENARD’S IN IOWA. I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT HOW MUCH FORMALDEHYDE IS IN THE FLOORING. THEY ARE EXPECTING A BABY AND VERY WORRIED ABOUT HOW TOXIC IT MAYBE!! PLEASE REPLY BACK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THANK YOU

  10. What levels of formaldehyde seem to be present in wood laminates? Is any level emanating from the wood considered to be harmful?

    thanks,

    patrick price

    • BuildDirect Product Expert Team

      Hi Patrick,

      For information on CARB ratings please visit this third party website (http://www.arb.ca.gov/html/fact_sheets/composite_wood_flooring_faq.pdf).

      BuildDirect has a number of safeguards in place to ensure the safety and quality of its flooring products. For example, we conduct a comprehensive onboarding process for suppliers, regardless of country of origin (including China). All laminate flooring available on the BuildDirect site is held to CARB 2 standards, which are the strictest emissions standards in the world, regardless of where the product is sold across the country. As a leader in the industry, we strive to provide our customers with as much information about our products as possible.

  11. Janet, I read your note. I am not an expert but I happen to be interested in indoor plants that absorb pollutants in homes. One is the spider plant. You need a minimum of 14 plants to neutralize formaldehyde in your home according to some. I copy paste this for you: “With lots of rich foliage and tiny white flowers, the spider plant battles benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene, a solvent used in the leather, rubber and printing industries. As an added bonus, this plant is also considered a safe houseplant if you have pets in the house. (Find more houseplants that are safe for pets.)” Quoted from Mother Nature Network.

    You may google also “15 houseplants for improving indoor air quality”

  12. I purchased a Schon engineered floor from Lumber Liquidators, it is made in china and now I am concerned about the formaldehyde, I read where this company has sold bad flooring. That their main offices were raided by government officials.
    How can i find out if I have problem? How do It est for this issue

  13. I hàd a laminate floor installed in my brand new house about a year ago. Installer left the job unfinished with exposed laminate pieces and exposed concrete around the house. Several days after the install I noticed the floor felt sticky and the bottom of my feet turned black.I could literally scrape the black stuff off the bottom of my feet. I also developed pneumonia several months later and spent 2 months in intensive care and 18 days on life support in respiratory failure. I also had a very healthy beautiful cat in September of 2014 who weighed 21 pounds and was beautiful. On January 24th at about 5 pounds she died. I am wondering if there are VOCs from my floor leaching on to my feet and on my cat. I will investigate having an air quality test done in the house but I’m finding what I am reading very concerning and very scary. My phone number is area code 402 379 0171. If anyone knows anything I would appreciate a call. Thank you in advance for your response.

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