Is Your Home Making You Sick? Formaldehyde Could Be The Culprit

Most people view their home as a safe a haven, a place to relax, socialise and bring up a family. It certainly isn’t somewhere we consider unsafe or somewhere that can cause (or exacerbate) health issues.  However, in recent years a condition known as Toxic Home Syndrome has come into existence, it is a syndrome comprised of a collection of illnesses and conditions caused by breathing in toxins found in our homes. This is a real concern as toxic home syndrome has been linked to certain cancers and heart disease. 

Is Your Home Making You Sick? Formaldehyde Could Be The Culprit

​It’s a scary thought, but thankfully steps can be taken to lower the toxins within our home. Firstly we need to know where the toxins are emanating from and the answers are surprising. Crawl spaces within our homes are a source of toxins which can be breathed in. A company specialising in crawl space repair services will be able to advise. A major toxin within our homes is formaldehyde which is found in furniture, soft furnishings, carpets, clothes and cleaning products.

What Is Formaldehyde?

Where Is It Found In The Home?

How To Reduce Formaldehyde Levels

Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring compound within our environment, but it is also produced commercially for use as an effective preservative. The amount of commercially produced formaldehyde has allowed levels to increase beyond those which are deemed safe. When breathed in at an unsafe level formaldehyde can cause breathing difficulties, eye, nose and throat irritation and ultimately it can cause cancer. You are at more risk of suffering from ill effects from formaldehyde when inside, as this is where concentration levels are highest.

​It would be easier to comprise a list of where formaldehyde isn’t present in the home. If your house is a new build it is even more likely to contain high levels, this is due to better insulation and lower air circulation as well as the fact that formaldehyde is used to preserve new products such as mdf furniture, decor, carpets, curtains, wooden floors, laminates and cleaning products.

Additionally, certain lifestyle choices such as cigarette smoking increases your exposure to formaldehyde, as does car exhaust fumes and even natural gas used for cooking.

As more and more knowledge is gained on the harmful effects of formaldehyde many manufacturers are seeking to create items and products which are formaldehyde free, so research any new items you are considering purchasing. Furniture and soft furnishings stop emitting fumes of formaldehyde after about two years, so a good reason to be frugal and recycle! Wash all bedding and soft furnishings prior to use and open packaging outdoors. ​

​To lower the levels of formaldehyde already within your home, open all the windows daily to allow fresh air to replenish stale, toxic air. Do this even in the depths of winter as central heating, gas appliances and cooking can cause levels to increase. Don’t allow anyone to smoke within your home and consider using cleaning products that are natural and eco friendly. Even toiletries may contain formaldehyde as a preserver, so check labels carefully. 

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Taking action now will lower the concerning effects of formaldehyde within your home. Ensure your home is your safe haven!
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