ProPublica spent months investigating how one unregulated toxic chemical—formaldehyde—poses an imminent cancer risk to all Americans. It’s in the air outside, at levels that don’t meet the environmental health goals set by the Environmental Protection Agency. And it’s in our homes, from our sofas, clothes and our babies’ cribs – sometimes at levels that can cause breathing problems, allergic reactions and asthma.
we simulated pollution data and have deployed their own air monitors to measure formaldehyde levels around us. We interviewed more than 50 experts and read thousands of pages of scientific studies and EPA records. Throughout it all, we’ve kept in mind the one question readers most want answered: How can I reduce my exposure?
Below are some common sources of this chemical and suggestions for reducing risk, as reported in our report.
Wooden furniture and floors
Be careful when buying new furniture. One of the most significant sources of formaldehyde in the home has traditionally been furniture made from composite wood, which uses glue to bind threads, particles, fibers or boards together. Adhesives used in this type of furniture may contain formaldehyde, which goes through a process called off-gassing, where the chemical is released into the air over time. Federal regulators have set limits on the amount of chemicals that some composite woods can emit. But those limits, set more than a decade ago, still far exceed the levels EPA scientists recently set to protect people from asthma, allergic reactions and other breathing problems. So, at a minimum, you want to look at the product’s packaging for a label that shows it meets the standards set by Toxic Substances Control Act.
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Products made of hardwood plywood, medium-density fibreboard and chipboard fall under the scope of the law. All products covered by the law must have some sort of TSCA compliance label, although the labels may look different depending on the product. Compliance does not mean that the product does not contain formaldehyde. This means that the company certifies that any formaldehyde emissions are at a low enough concentration to meet TSCA requirements. Some types of composite wood are exempt from the law, and although they are used primarily for construction projects, they can also be used to make furniture and shelving. So, if you’re not sure what composite wood a piece of furniture is made of, be sure to ask the seller or company representative before purchasing.
Another shortcut you can look for is this California Air Resources Board, Phase 2. It also doesn’t mean that the furniture or flooring is formaldehyde-free, but that it meets the government’s emission standardswhich are similar to TSCA regulations. Some manufacturers include this on their labels for products sold in and outside of California. Two other labels to look for are “formaldehyde-free” (NAF) or “ultra-low formaldehyde” (ULEF). This means that the manufacturer’s product has passed additional tests.
If you buy furniture suspected of containing formaldehyde, environmental experts advise letting the furniture air out for a full week in a well-ventilated area such as a garage, however impractical that may be. If this is not possible, leave the windows near the furniture open to improve ventilation. It can take up to two years for products to release most of their formaldehyde, so buying second-hand may be better for your health and your wallet. Purchasing solid wood furniture, although expensive, is a better alternative if you are trying to avoid high levels of formaldehyde.
Cosmetics and personal care products
Check the composition of your personal care products. The European Union has banned formaldehyde in cosmetics, but the US Food and Drug Administration has yet to follow suit. Hair straighteners, especially those marketed to black women, have been found to contain formaldehyde. The chemical helps to form bonds with the amino acids in the hair, and when heat is added, usually from a flat iron, the bonds become stronger and the hair straightens. But this heat can also turn formaldehyde into a gas and release it into the air.
When reading ingredient labels, you should of course look for formaldehyde, but also watch out formalin or methylene glycolwhich are formaldehyde-related ingredients that release the chemical when heated. These same three ingredients can also appear in nail care products. The formaldehyde in nail hardeners helps them bond with the nail keratin. Also, some nail polishes contain toluenesulfonamide-formaldehyde resin, which is used to make the polish more flexible and adhere better to the nails. This resin can release formaldehyde as it dries.
Candles, indoor fireplaces and gas stoves
Flame means formaldehyde. The chemical is a byproduct of combustion, so whenever there’s a fire, there’s formaldehyde. This is as true for huge forest fires as it is for lit candles or lit cigarettes. In the home, fireplaces and gas stoves can be a significant source of formaldehyde.
ProPublica reporters learned this firsthand earlier this year when they measured formaldehyde in various locations around New York and New Jersey. One of the highest concentrations was recorded during dinner, where candles were burning and the gas stove was working. Numerous studies have also documented increased exposure to formaldehyde from cigarette smoking and vaping. Smokers can reduce their indoor formaldehyde levels by smoking outside, but they will still be inhaling the chemical themselves.
As always, when formaldehyde is present, ventilation is critical. If possible, open windows and doors when candles, fireplaces, or stoves are in use. Get into the habit of turning on the stove vent when you cook. And while it’s expensive, if you can, consider replacing your gas stove with an electric one, which generally produces less formaldehyde. Naturally, you may ask: Do air purifiers help? Researchers are still investigating how well air purifiers reduce formaldehyde. One study found that some air purifiers even can create formaldehyde as a byproduct. Fragrant air fresheners can also introduce formaldehyde into the air.
Clothes
Sometimes formaldehyde is even in our clothes. Clothing designed to resist wrinkles or stains is more likely to contain the carcinogen. The chemical is used in the dyeing process and to reduce shrinkage, mold growth and wrinkles. The use of formaldehyde in clothing can cause skin irritation such as eczema. But it can often be very difficult to tell if a garment is made using this chemical. Labels usually won’t tell you. Clothing made from natural fibers such as linen, wool and cotton is less likely to be made with formaldehyde than synthetic fabrics such as polyester. Washing all your new clothes before wearing them can help reduce exposure. One recent study found formaldehyde in the 20% cotton clothing the researchers examined, but it disappeared after the items were washed.
Cars
Formaldehyde adhesives can be found in car dashboards, seat covers, flooring materials, carpeting, door trim, window sealants, and armrests. As with furniture, high levels of formaldehyde are often found in new cars. To reduce formaldehyde exposure in cars, you should again rely on ventilation. On particularly hot days, you’ll want to take the time to roll down your car windows and let the vehicle air out. ProPublica found that not only do new cars contain levels of formaldehyde higher than the EPA is designed to protect people from breathing problems, allergic reactions or asthma symptoms, but cars as young as four years old can continue to emit potentially harmful levels of the chemical, especially in hot days. Adjust your car’s air conditioning so that outside air circulates inside the car.
All of the recommendations and research on reducing indoor formaldehyde exposure have one thread – ventilation. Opening windows and doors, turning on fans and fans, and leaving products outdoors for long periods of time to release formaldehyde all allow the chemicals to leach away from us. The ubiquity of formaldehyde means that there is no way to completely isolate yourself from it. But opening a window may be our cheapest and best course of action.
Sharon Lerner and Al Shaw filed a report.
