Formaldehyde (CH₂O) is the most common Volatile Organic Compound (VOC), and formaldehyde is a colourless gas with a pungent odour. The World Health Organisation defines it as a first-class carcinogen, which is dangerous to the human body. If the indoor air quality of living or working environment exceeds the standard, short-term absorption will affect liver, smell, lung and immune function……etc. Long-term absorption may cause cancer (skin cancer, nose cancer), tracheal tumor, leukemia, decrease of immunity, and increased risk of birth defects and miscarriage.

 

Due to massive industrial uses and affordable price of formaldehyde, most of the construction materials manufacturers use it in their products. Studies have found that there are more than a thousand of commonly used construction materials that contain formaldehyde, including:

 

• Paints (oil-based paints and others)

• Timber Products (floors, cabinets and other timber furniture)

• Fungicides & Preservatives (Ceiling)

• Synthetic Resins (glue, vinyl tiles, fibreboard and other plastic products)

• Polyester, Artificial Fibres (curtains, carpets and clothings)

• Insulation Foam (styrofoam, wall insulations and flooring EPE underlayment)