Formaldehyde Monitoring: When to Use a Formaldehyde Monitor?

Formaldehyde is a widely used industrial chemical, and when people are exposed to it in high volumes, it can be very dangerous. Because of this, workplaces that use the chemical require periodic formaldehyde monitoring to ensure workers safety.

Yet, formaldehyde exposure can also occur in the home, as well.  Building and flooring materials, as well as furniture, foam insulation and gas stoves, may all release formaldehyde into the air. Fortunately, though, exposure is typically at a minimum. Yet, when formaldehyde-containing materials like composite woods and particle board are used in high volume and the home is poorly ventilated, the risk for exposure increases.

Formaldehyde monitoring is recommended when purchasing a new home, and this is especially important for owners of mobile homes. Mobile homes – due to the materials they are built with and poor ventilation– have been known to expose habitants to higher than normal levels of formaldehyde, resulting in health complications for residents. The CDC has found that formaldehyde levels in mobile homes are five times above normal levels.

Formaldehyde Monitors: Testing the Air in the Home and Workplace

Formaldehyde can be found in a range of products, including plywood, paneling, pressed wood, particle board, and some foam insulating materials. It is also released when materials are burned like when you use a natural or wood stove. Yet, just because you use a wood stove, or have cabinets made of pressed-wood, you aren’t necessarily at risk.

Typically, exposure in the home should be limited to .10 ppm. Below these levels, most people are at little risk for related health complications. For the workplace, the OSHA has specific guidelines. They state that .50 ppm calculated for an 8-hour shift requires action. For more information, see specific OSHA guidelines.

So when is formaldehyde monitoring necessary? Here are a few tips:

At home:

• Are you moving into a new home? When moving into a new home, especially those that are new construction or have undergone extensive remodeling, it may be beneficial to monitor for formaldehyde. New materials containing the chemical release more of it, but overtime, materials off-gas most of the chemical and release it in much lower volumes. Thus, newly constructed homes are likely to release it in greater volumes.
• Are you experiencing symptoms? Symptoms include respiratory issues, throat irritation and coughing, as well as dizziness, headaches and nausea. Plus, the eyes are particularly sensitive to exposure, which causes a burning sensation. If symptoms are chronic, you should monitor your home.
• Have you remodeled recently? New construction materials release formaldehyde in greater volume. To prevent this from happening, you can “off-gas” the chemical by leaving new materials in an open-air space for an extended period. If you experience symptoms following a remodel, you should conduct a test.

In the workplace:

• Do you suspect exposure? If workers are experiencing symptoms, employers should conduct testing to determine if they are being overexposed. Exposure might be caused by a faulty ventilation system, a chemical spill or industrial fire. In these cases, employers should conduct testing.

  

• Have you conducted initial tests? When formaldehyde is in use in industrial facilities, the OSHA requires that an initial test is conducted to determine baseline exposure levels. If they’re above OSHA guidelines, more regular testing may be needed.
• Are you due for a yearly test? Following an initial test, the OSHA requires facilities to conduct regular testing. In general, the monitoring should happen annually. But if levels are above the .50 ppm threshold, testing is required more frequently.

Deelat’s formaldehyde monitoring unit provides accurate readings for the chemical, with an accuracy of .02 ppm. We offer a range of air monitoring equipment on Deelat.com. We guarantee fast shipping, excellent customer service and the best pricing.