Formaldehyde Exposure Risks in Homes and Buildings in Puerto Rico

As far back as 1987, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen. In 2011, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) determined that formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen based on sufficient human and animal inhalation studies. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) also classifies formaldehyde as a human carcinogen.

Formaldehyde is a chemical widely used by industry to manufacture building materials and various household products. Its primary use is in the production of resins and as a chemical intermediate. Formaldehyde is also a by-product of combustion and certain other natural processes. It is a volatile organic compound (VOC), and as a gas, is colorless with a strong odor.

Common symptoms of exposure include breathing problems and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat or skin. Some asthmatics exposed to elevated concentrations may even have an asthma attack. To help protect workers from exposure to formaldehyde, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has a Recommended Exposure Limit (REL).

“Sources of formaldehyde in the home include building materials, smoking, household products such as nail polish and permanent press fabrics, and from the use of un-vented, fuel-burning appliances, including gas stoves,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “One of the most significant sources of formaldehyde in many homes and buildings comes from the off-gassing of pressed wood products made using adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde resins. Formaldehyde can also be released from some types of insulation. All of this means that in some circumstances, it could be present at elevated concentrations indoors.”

In Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean, Zimmetry offers indoor air quality (IAQ) and industrial hygiene testing, monitoring and consulting services to identify and mitigate exposure risks to formaldehyde and many other chemicals. If elevated levels are detected, their building science professionals can provide the expertise to mitigate or eliminate exposure hazards.

Zimmetry Environmental also recently sponsored an educational video about formaldehyde in the indoor environment that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/aiLI3SGjiws

To learn more about formaldehyde or other IAQ, industrial hygiene and environmental testing, compliance and consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com.

About Zimmetry Environmental

Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals, and Fortune 500 companies. The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America. The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs, and general environmental consulting services.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail