FEATURE—March/April 2017
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[2] Problems with the Performance of Passive Monitors
for Formaldehyde https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/
preview/mmwrhtml/00000182.htm
[3] Formaldehyde https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/
formaldehyde/ (2/24/2016).
[4] Formaldehyde http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/
Monographs/vol100F/mono100F-29.pdf (2006).
[5] Formaldehyde: Get the Facts https://www.epa.gov/
formaldehyde (updated 1/27/2017).
[6] Formaldehyde Increases through Exposure to Ozone
from Ionizers and Ozone Generators http://www.
allergyclean.com/formaldehyde-increases-through-expo
sure-to-ozone-from-ionizers-and-ozone-generators/
and replacement with other materials can lead to other
immediate formaldehyde and/or VOC problems. When
using or introducing products that are known to contain
formaldehyde (remember that it is naturally occurring in
wood), it is best to allow the item(s) to off gas outside of
the living quarters for a time period. If products are con-
tained in packaging or wrap, remove them and unstack
them or spread them out to allow more of the surface
to release the formaldehyde. This will help to reduce
the amount of formaldehyde that is introduced into the
breathing area.
Recently, ozonation and other remediation techniques
involving energetic radiation have been employed to try
to reduce formaldehyde levels in indoor air. Caution must
be taken when using these techniques because they fre-
quently lead to additional problems. For instance, ozo-
nation can damage materials of construction, especially
rubber and plastic, and has been known to generate ad-
ditional by-products, including formaldehyde, which is
counter-productive to the remediation effort.
[6]
Curtain Call
Regardless of these general guidelines, the key for in-
door air quality is to minimize formaldehyde and VOC
exposure everywhere possible. Every person is unique
in their reaction to formaldehyde exposure. Source re-
duction and ventilation improvements are typically the
best ways to reduce exposure.. Where source reduction
isn't possible, an air cleaner equipped with a carbon bed
adsorbent can be helpful in reducing indoor VOC and
formaldehyde levels.
References
[1] Lumber Liquidators http://www.cbsnews.com/news/
lumber-liquidators-linked-to-health-and-safety-
violations-2/
Sarah Mack is Business Development Director at Prism
Analytical Technologies, Inc. She has 11 years experience
responding first hand to the questions from consumers
and IAQ Professionals alike.
