Formaldehyde Emissions
Formaldehyde is a organic compound made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Formaldehyde is found everywhere, since it occurs naturally and is also synthesized for industrial use in everyday products. A lot of household and personal care products contain small amounts of formaldehyde. It can also be found in products like processed wood, furniture, siding, and flooring. Even though formaldehyde is a very useful chemical compound used to make clothes permanent-pressed, as a preservative, and as part of the makeup of adhesive products, it is also dangerous and exposure can wreak havoc with your health in high concentration.
Symptoms to formaldehyde differ. While some people have no reaction, others present severe and probably life-threatening response to exposure. Symptoms can be eye, nose, and throat irritation, respiratory difficulties like wheezing and coughing, skin rash, headaches and fatigue, and in some cases, extreme allergic reactions. Allergies can develop easily. Formaldehyde is also known a suspected carcinogen and is proven to trigger attacks in people with asthma.
Formaldehyde emissions decreased over time. A house built in the 1970s is not likely to still leach formaldehyde gas into your home. Exposures occur when the wood product is newly installed. Formaldehyde does not accumulate in the fat cells over time.
Source of Formaldehyde Emissions
A big quantity of wood flooring is manufactured from layers of wood particles or veneers pressed and sealed with adhesives containing urea formaldehyde resin. Even you expect low-end flooring consisting of “green” materials can be manufactured with this formaldehyde. As a result, they may have formaldehyde emissions of 0.237ppm. The real danger is in the manufacturing process. It is a mistake to think that something is eco-friendly because it is made from an eco-friendly product. Before you make a decision to buy, make sure you get all the facts right.
Formaldehyde Ratings
In 2000, European standards recommended by the European Panel Industry defined formaldehyde emissions ratings. Original ratings included E1, measuring 9mg/100g and below, E2, measuring greater than 9mg/100g to below 30mg/100g, and E3, measuring a greater than 30mg/100g ratio. Pressure for more stringent standards led to a new ratings classification, E0, based on emissions calculating 0.5mg per liter and below. Europeans test methodology is based on the Perforator Test Method, which measures the formaldehyde levels inside the wood specimen.
Japan has also defined formaldehyde emissions ratings using a different testing methodology. The Japanese JIS/JAS Formaldehyde Adhesive Emission Standards, defined by the set forth by the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) and Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) departments, the Desiccator Test Method measures emissions released from the wood. Ratings are assigned in four categories, F*, F**, F***, and F****, with F**** having the lowest level of formaldehyde emissions below 0.005 mg/m2h. Comparing these two standards is difficult due to the different methods and units of measurement.
The United States has been slow to respond to this concern. A rating system released in 2007 by the California Air Regulatory Board (CARB) aims to correct that. The Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) specifies staggered implementation dates ranging from 2009 to 2010 for a two-phase plan that calls for compliance on emissions levels in particleboard, MDF, thin MDF and hardwood plywood. CARB studies suggest that up to 5% of formaldehyde emissions are generated by wood products.
Phase 1 of the CARB plan already in effect requires that adhesive formaldehyde emissions measure equal to or less than 0.08 ppm (parts per million), a figure that exceeds OSHA standards.
Phase 2, set for January 1, 2010, will force formaldehyde emissions in adhesives even lower, to 0.05 ppm, a higher standard than that of the European E0.
Logistical Reality
The cost of trying to regulate a global building industry is significant. Enforcement of a U.S. standard presents a problem of staggering proportion in terms of manpower and logistics, considering how much processed wood is imported from overseas and the sheer volume of product that would have to be monitored. For U.S. manufacturers, the burden of retooling to meet new standards falls to them and ultimately to the consumer.
The Composite Panel Association (CPA) and other industry leaders have voiced some concerns about this ruling and asked for modifications. Citing costs and the difficulty of testing finished products, Bill Perdue, of the American Home Furnishings Alliance, says the impact could be tremendous, especially as it affects small manufacturers, like thousands of cabinet and furniture makers.
For the California Air Regulatory Board, the choice was clear and the vote unanimous, health concerns supersede cost. Expectations are that the rest of the country will follow suit, and U.S. manufacturers will be eager to get onboard and stay ahead of legislation sure to follow.
The Future is Here
There are already products on the market that have low VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions. In order to know exactly what you’re getting, find out what rating the flooring has. Look for E0, E1, F****, P1 or P2 CARB ratings for the most environmentally sound investment, and if the flooring is to be glued down, ask for VOC-free adhesives.