Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is an irritant and carcinogenic chemical product used particularly in varnishes and glues. Once placed in living quarters, the formaldehyde may leak and reach concentrations which may be dangerous to the health of inhabitants.

Exposure to formaldehyde may cause irritation to the mucous membranes and can be carcinogenic in high doses. Formaldehyde is a sensitising which, even if only present in low concentrations, may affect some people. Recommendations from the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) state that a concentration greater than 0.1ppm should not be exceeded (0.1 part per million or 125 micrograms per cubic metre of air). Beyond this limit, there is a real risk to health and it is recommended that measures are taken to reduce this concentration.