Formaldehyde is a chemical compound that is commonly found in the environment and in consumer products. It is commonly present in a gaseous state producing irritating chemical type odors even at very low concentrations.

Formaldehyde is commonly used in products in the form of resins used in pressed and particleboard products and carpets. Exposure to formaldehyde may occur by respiring contaminated air indoors and outdoors air with levels present due to automobile exhausts, power plants and incinerators. Studies have shown that often the highest levels of formaldehyde are found indoors from consumer products. Inhalation exposure to formaldehyde for short and long periods can cause respiratory symptoms as well as eye, nose and throat irritation.

Formaldehyde has been classified as a known human carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and as a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Consumers must take matters in their own hands and take the necessary steps to protect themselves from the dangers associated with products with formaldehyde as government regulation is unable to do so.

AirMD’s assessment in Virginia, Maryland, DC measures the amount of formaldehyde in the ambient air and compares it to guidance levels to determine if unusual conditions exist. If issues are present from the sample results, we will assess the levels and write a report discussing the findings and provide recommendations you can implement to reduce the presence and exposure.

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