Identifying and Mitigating Formaldehyde Exposure Risks in the Built Environment

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen as far back as 1987. 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 that is widely used by industry to manufacture building materials and various household products. It is a volatile organic compound (VOC), and as a gas, is colorless with a strong odor. 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.

“Common symptoms of formaldehyde exposure include breathing problems and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat or skin,” said Derrick A. Denis, Vice President of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) for Clark Seif Clark. “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).”

CSC proudly offers consulting and testing services to detect and mitigate exposure to elevated levels of formaldehyde and a wide range of other airborne pollutants. If concerning levels are detected, their building science and industrial hygiene professionals can provide the expertise to eliminate exposure hazards. CSC has even sponsored an educational video about formaldehyde and the indoor environment that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/aiLI3SGjiws

To learn more about this or other building science, industrial hygiene, indoor air quality, environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.csceng.com, email csc@csceng.com or call (800) 807-1118.

About Clark Seif Clark
CSC was established in 1989 to help clients in both public and private sectors address indoor air quality, occupational, environmental, and health and safety (EH&S) issues. CSC is a leading provider of these services with multiple offices along the western seaboard and southwest. The company believes in science-based protocols and has a strong background in engineering, making them the preferred environmental consultants to industrial clients, healthcare facilities, architects, schools, builders, contractors, developers and real estate professionals.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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