IAQ - INDOOR AIR QUALITY & HEALTH - FORMALDEHYDES & VOC'S

IAQ - or Indoor Air Quality is increasingly being recognised as a significant contributor to health - and so around the world there is a focus on improving IAQ. VOC's (Volatile Organic Chemicals) & Formaldehydes are now being recognised as significant contributors to Indoor Pollution generated health problems.

The NSW EPA lists the health effects of formaldehydes as follows :

Formaldehyde can cause irritation of the respiratory tract, wheezing and coughing, fatigue, skin rash and severe allergic reactions, and is a suspected carcinogen.

The US EPA describes formaldehydes as follows

FORMALDEHYDE

Sources: Pressed wood products (hardwood plywood wall paneling, particleboard, fiberboard) and furniture made with these pressed wood products. Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI). Combustion sources and environmental tobacco smoke. Durable press drapes, other textiles, and glues.

Health Effects: Eye, nose, and throat irritation; wheezing and coughing; fatigue; skin rash; severe allergic reactions. May cause cancer. May also cause other effects listed under "organic gases."

Levels in Homes: Average concentrations in older homes without UFFI are generally well below 0.1 (ppm). In homes with significant amounts of new pressed wood products, levels can be greater than 0.3 ppm.

Steps to Reduce Exposure:

* Use "exterior-grade" pressed wood products (lower-emitting because they contain phenol resins, not urea resins).

* Use air conditioning and dehumidifiers to maintain moderate temperature and reduce humidity levels.

* Increase ventilation, particularly after bringing new sources of formaldehyde into the home.

More info from the US EPA & advice when building a New Home to optimise IAQ

INFORMATION RESOURCES ON IAQ