Effect Of Formaldehyde On Health In Indoor Environment

Whether a building is new or old they pose IAQ risk if appropriate measures are not taken. New or newly renovated buildings usually have new furniture, new wall painting etc.
By: Moshood Fadeyi
 
March 19, 2009 - PRLog -- Whether a building is new or old they pose IAQ risk if appropriate measures are not taken. New or newly renovated buildings usually have new furniture, new wall painting etc. New furniture or painting often emit chemicals (e.g. formaldehyde), that are very harmful to health.  Formaldehyde is a common chemical, found primarily in adhesive or bonding agents for many materials found in households and offices, including carpets, upholstery, particle board, and plywood panelling. Furniture out-gassing, or off-gassing, can last from a few weeks to many years, and exposes building occupants to dangerous chemicals that can potentially lead to chronic health conditions. Without proper ventilation, these gases can contribute up to 60% of the air in a closed environment.

Formaldehyde for example is the most common indoor air pollutant and is used in the binding elements in plywood, particleboard, and medium density fibreboard. These products are used in everything from basic walls to cabinetry, bookcases, furniture, and flooring. Health effects of formaldehyde include eye, nose, and throat irritation; wheezing and coughing; fatigue; skin rash; severe allergic reactions. It may also cause cancer. Indoor air pollutant exposure may be especially hazardous to young infants, old or people with impaired immune system. The health effects from indoor pollutants depend on the length and level of exposure (chronic vs. acute) and on individual sensitivity.

Singapore National Environment Agency recommends that the maximum threshold level for formaldehyde should not exceed 0.1ppm, based on "Guidelines for Good Indoor Air Quality in Office Premises".

For more information on Indoor Air Quality and Formaldehyde, please visit http://www.iaqsg.com and http://www.iaqsg.com/Formaldehyde-Singapore.html


Need Professional Assistance?

Please feel free to contact Mr Charn @ Tel: 6241 9443/ Hp: 9321 9321, Mr. Moshood Hp: 93225506 or email mof@iaqsg.com if you are interested in having your indoor air tested or audited to monitor the Indoor Air Quality in your environment.

# # #

IAQ provides assessment and consultancy services in the fields of science and environmental through testing, inspection, remediation and application of technology with the aim of achieving a better indoor environmental quality for your environment.
End
Source:Moshood Fadeyi
Email:***@iaqsg.com
Zip:486132
Tags:Formaldehyde, Iaq, Health, Indoor Environment, Singapore, Office
Industry:Health, Environment, Engineering
Location:Singapore - Singapore
Account Email Address Verified     Account Phone Number Verified     Disclaimer     Report Abuse
Indoor Air Quality Consultants Pte Ltd News
Trending
Most Viewed
Daily News



Like PRLog?
9K2K1K
Click to Share