Which Homes and Buildings in Puerto Rico Likely Have Elevated Formaldehyde Levels?

While there are small amounts of formaldehyde in nearly all homes according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), there are some that likely have elevated levels of the chemical in the air people breathe indoors.
 
Formaldehyde is widely used by industry to manufacture building materials, household products and some consumer goods. 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.
 
ATSDR reports that some of the homes that may have elevated levels of formaldehyde include:

• Homes with smokers. Tobacco smoke contains formaldehyde. If someone in the home smokes tobacco products, the smoke may be the greatest source of formaldehyde in the home.
• Homes with new products or new construction. Formaldehyde levels are higher in various new manufactured wood products.

 
New products listed by the agency that often contain high levels of formaldehyde include:

• Some manufactured wood products such as cabinets, furniture, plywood, particleboard and laminate flooring.
• Permanent press fabrics (like those used for curtains and drapes or on furniture).
• Household products such as glues, paints, caulks, pesticides, cosmetics and detergents.

 
“In 2011, formaldehyde was listed by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) as known to be a human carcinogen,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “Common symptoms of exposure include breathing problems and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat or skin. Some asthmatics exposed to elevated concentrations may even have an asthma attack. ATSDR recommends for those that want to have a home tested that they hire a qualified professional who has the training and equipment to test formaldehyde levels. At Zimmetry, we offer indoor air quality testing and monitoring for formaldehyde and many other chemical and microbial contaminants. If elevated levels are detected, our building science professionals can provide the expertise to mitigate or eliminate any exposure risks.” 
 
Zimmetry Environmental also recently sponsored an educational video about formaldehyde exposure concerns in homes that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/auUTQWgKUFA
 
To learn more about formaldehyde or other indoor air quality (IAQ), environmental or compliance testing and 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

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