Formaldehyde In The Home: 6 Things Singapore Homeowners Need To Know

Indoor air quality is crucial, especially in Singapore, where homes often remain closed and air-conditioned due to the tropical climate. One common indoor pollutant is formaldehyde, a chemical found in many everyday items, often raising concerns about formaldehyde in the home and its effects on health. 

If you've recently renovated or brought in new furniture and have noticed an uptick in allergy-like symptoms at home, you might be dealing with elevated formaldehyde levels.

Let's dive into what you need to know about formaldehyde found in homes and how you can minimise it effectively.

1. What Is Formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a colourless, pungent chemical used extensively in various materials. It is a volatile organic compound (VOC) that is released as a gas at room temperature and is often present in building materials, furnishings, and household products. This chemical is often chosen for its preservative and adhesive qualities. Unfortunately, while it is important in construction, it can pose health risks in enclosed home environments.

Formaldehyde is common in homes, particularly when new or freshly manufactured items are present, such as pressed-wood furniture, laminate floors, and certain textiles. 

 

2. Where Is Formaldehyde Found In The Home?

Formaldehyde can be released from several sources at home. Here are the primary formaldehyde sources in the home:

• Pressed-Wood Products: Items like particleboard, plywood, and medium-density fibreboard (MDF) are commonly used in custom carpentry furniture, cabinets, and flooring. These materials contain formaldehyde-based resin adhesive, which can release formaldehyde into the air over time, contributing to indoor air pollution.
• Household Products: Paints, adhesives, common cleaners, and even certain fabrics may also emit formaldehyde in the home.
• Combustion Sources: Cooking stoves, fireplaces, and tobacco smoke contribute minor levels of formaldehyde to the home through combustion byproducts.
• Personal Care Products: Some nail polishes, cosmetics, and hair treatments contain formaldehyde or similar compounds.

 

3. Health Risks Of Formaldehyde At Home

In Singapore, new homeowners often keep windows closed to manage the tropical heat, which can lead to a buildup of indoor formaldehyde concentrations over time due to no ventilation. This lack of air circulation after home renovation is completed, allows formaldehyde emissions from building materials, furnishings, and household products to accumulate, potentially impacting indoor air quality and health.

Therefore, homeowners who recently did renovation to their homes might experience short term health concerns like eye, nose, throat irritation. Especially, when the chemical gas is released into the air, homeowners will feel stinging in their eyes and inhaling too much of it may cause headaches. 

These can all be signs of formaldehyde exposure:

• ​​Irritation of Eyes, Nose, and Throat: Formaldehyde exposure can cause discomfort, such as watery eyes, runny nose, and throat irritation.
• Respiratory Issues: Prolonged exposure may lead to coughing, wheezing, or asthma-like symptoms.
• Allergic Reactions: Skin irritation and allergic responses upon exposure are common symptoms.
• Chronic Health Risks: Long-term exposure is associated with serious health risks, including respiratory disorders and, in severe cases, cancer.
• Vulnerability in Certain Groups: Children, elderly individuals, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions are more susceptible to its effects.

 

4. How To Identify Formaldehyde Levels In Your Home

Determining formaldehyde levels in the home can be relatively straightforward and worthwhile if you're experiencing persistent symptoms or if there have been recent additions, like new furniture or renovations, which are common sources of formaldehyde in the home. Here are some practical steps:

• Watch for Physical Symptoms: If you or your family members experience persistent eye, nose, or throat irritation after introducing new furniture or renovations, formaldehyde may be the cause.
• Use DIY Formaldehyde Test Kits: These kits offer a simple way to assess air quality and detect formaldehyde levels at home, though their accuracy can vary.
• Consider Professional Testing Services: Singapore's indoor air quality services provide precise measurements, especially for homes with sensitive individuals.
• Check Specific Items: Smell for a pungent or "chemical" odor, though not all formaldehyde emissions are easily detectable.Use Air Quality Monitors: Smart air quality monitors detect formaldehyde in real-time and send alerts, making it easier to track indoor air safety regularly.

 

5. Reducing Formaldehyde Levels

Managing formaldehyde at home can be done with a few practical steps to help ensure a safer environment:

Before Renovation or Moving Into Your New Home

When selecting building materials or purchasing new furniture, look for low-emission options or certifications like Singapore's Green Label. Products with such certifications release minimal pollutants and are safer for indoor use. Choosing low-emission building materials like:

• Low VOC Carpentry glue/adhesives: Carpentry glue or strong adhesives are commonly used in woodworking, construction, and furniture manufacturing. Check with your interior design firm, contractor or carpenter if they are able to use low VOC glue which emits low levels of formaldehyde.  
• Low Formaldehyde Plywood: This type of plywood boards are made with adhesives that have lower levels of formaldehyde. It is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plywood, making it a better choice for health-conscious homeowners and sustainable construction projects. However, a point to consider would be low-formaldehyde plywood is generally slightly more expensive. For a family with newborn or children, it may be a worthwhile investment. 
• Laminates with certification: Products with Greenguard certification or Singapore Green Label are tested to be low-emitting materials that are less likely to contribute to indoor air pollution. This certification is particularly significant for materials used in indoor environments, such as homes, offices, and schools, where people spend the majority of their time. Some laminate brands with this certification are Lamitak, O2 and Formica etc.. 

If you’d like to learn more about renovating your new home with low-emission materials, feel free to contact Reroom. 

Ventilation Strategies

Proper ventilation is essential for reducing formaldehyde levels. This might require balancing air conditioning with consistent or if possible frequent airing out of rooms in Singapore's humid climate. Here are some tips:

• Open Windows When Possible: Even short periods of fresh air circulation can reduce indoor pollutants. When you are not home, try to open your windows slightly for some ventilation as this will help better than having all the windows closed with no air circulation. 
• Air Purifiers with Carbon Filters: Use air purifiers with activated carbon filters to reduce airborne formaldehyde particles. 

Cleaning And Maintenance

Dust and particles can collect formaldehyde over time, so regular cleaning helps maintain a healthier environment. Use mild, eco-friendly cleaning products, as some commercial cleaners may release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) themselves, adding to indoor pollutants.

 

6. Singapore's Key Regulations On Formaldehyde

The National Environment Agency (NEA) is implementing stringent regulations on using formaldehyde in interior paints, reflecting a commitment to public health and compliance with international standards. These regulations will take effect on January 1, 2026.

Prohibition Of Formaldehyde In Interior Paints

From January 1, 2026, all interior paints sold in Singapore must not contain formaldehyde at levels exceeding 0.01% by weight. This ban aims to minimise health risks associated with prolonged exposure to formaldehyde, which the World Health Organization (WHO) 135 classifies as a Class 1 carcinogen.

Testing And Compliance Requirements

Manufacturers and importers must submit test reports from accredited laboratories demonstrating that their products meet the formaldehyde limit. These laboratories must be recognised under international agreements such as the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation Mutual Recognition Arrangement (ILAC MRA) 245.

Labelling For Outdoor And Industrial Paints

While the ban specifically targets interior paints, outdoor and industrial paints containing formaldehyde will still be allowed. However, they must be properly labelled to inform users of their content and intended use 13.

 

Conclusion About Formaldehyde At Home

Formaldehyde is a common pollutant, but by identifying where formaldehyde is found in the home and reducing its impact through ventilation, careful product selection, and regular cleaning, you can create a safer living space for yourself and your loved ones.

Taking the time to make informed choices about your household items and knowing how to manage indoor air quality can significantly contribute to the comfort and well-being of everyone at home. Even though low emission materials are being used during renovation, ventilation is also very important to ensure that any residual pollutants or off-gassed chemicals are effectively removed from the indoor environment. Proper ventilation allows fresh air to circulate, reducing the concentration of harmful substances and maintaining a healthier living space.

Choosing low emission building materials for your renovation benefits your well-being. Reroom is working towards manufacturing low formaldehyde carpentry furniture, from using low formaldehyde plywood to low formaldehyde carpentry glue and green label certified laminates, ensuring no compromising in interior aesthetics. This will help to give you a peace of mind while enhancing your home’s comfort and well-being. Check out our collection of custom wall beds, foldable tables, and more!

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Formaldehyde At Home

Is Formaldehyde Exposure A Common Issue For Singapore Homeowners?

Yes, due to high humidity and frequent use of air conditioning, enclosed spaces in Singapore homes can trap formaldehyde more easily. Regular or constant ventilation and choosing certified low-emission building materials and furniture can help mitigate this.

Does Formaldehyde Affect Everyone In The Same Way?

No, children, elderly individuals, and those with respiratory conditions are generally more sensitive to formaldehyde exposure and may experience symptoms sooner than others.

Can Indoor Plants Help Reduce Formaldehyde?

Certain plants, like spider plants and peace lilies, can absorb small amounts of formaldehyde, though they're not a substitute for good ventilation and low-emission products.

Is It Safe To Keep Newly Purchased Furniture In A Closed Room?

No, formaldehyde off-gassing is highest in closed, unventilated spaces. Ideally, air out new furniture outdoors or open windows to allow formaldehyde to disperse.