Formaldehyde
Toxins · VOC / IARC Group 1
High priority
What this is
Lumber Liquidators 2015 scandal highlighted laminate flooring as a major source. Keratin straightening treatments have been repeatedly associated with levels far exceeding salon worker safety thresholds. New-home off-gassing peaks in first 6-12 months. HEPA doesn't remove formaldehyde — activated carbon needed.
Mechanism
Reactive aldehyde; off-gasses from pressed-wood products (particleboard, MDF), laminate flooring, keratin hair treatments (Brazilian blowouts), some fabrics; indoor concentrations often 10x outdoor
Dose & route
Solid wood > engineered wood; avoid keratin/Brazilian treatments; ventilate after new furniture/flooring
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19528259/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25585716/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6923258/
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