Building Experts Share Important Information about Formaldehyde with Residents of Puerto Rico

As far back as 1987, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen.  The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) does classify formaldehyde as a human carcinogen and the California Air Resources Board (ARB) has classified formaldehyde as a Toxic Air Contaminant. 
 
Formaldehyde is a chemical widely used by industry to manufacture building materials and numerous household products.  Its primary use is in the production of resins and as a chemical intermediate. It is also a by-product of combustion and certain other natural processes.
 
In many indoor environments, the most significant sources of formaldehyde are likely to be from pressed wood products made using adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde resins. Pressed wood products made for indoor use include particleboard, hardwood plywood paneling and medium density fiberboard.  Medium density fiberboard is generally recognized as being the highest formaldehyde-emitting pressed wood product.  Formaldehyde is also released from some types of insulation.
 
“When materials that contain formaldehyde off-gas into the air people breathe, it can cause both short and long term health concerns,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental.  “High concentrations may even trigger asthma attacks in some people. Health effects may include eye, nose and throat irritation; wheezing and coughing; fatigue; skin rash; severe allergic reactions and possibly cancer.  At Zimmetry, our indoor air quality experts provide air testing for formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds to identify their presence and concentration in the air people breathe.  If high concentrations are discovered, there are steps that can be implemented to reduce exposure.” 
 
To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their indoor air quality, environmental and compliance consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005 or email info@zimmetry.com .
 
About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals and Fortune 500 companies.  The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America.  The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs and general environmental consulting services.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

(1) 6025103179

pcochrane@cochraneassoc.com