Scientific Research

Formaldehyde is one of the most extensively studied chemicals in use today. Its health and safety properties have been researched and characterized in depth. The evidence shows that current formaldehyde emission standards for composite wood products are protective . As a result, the probability of any significant adverse risk, for the average person, is virtually non-existent.

As the leading global resins supplier to the wood industry, Momentive is never satisfied. We continue to develop new technology and manufacturing processes to improve the environmental performance of our products – and yours. We’re also committed to helping customers understand the latest scientific research on formaldehyde and its impact on regulatory decision-making.

Formaldehyde and Indoor Air

“An Update on Formaldehyde,”
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
A federal regulatory agency primer on formaldehyde found in indoor air, normal levels in air, major sources in the home, symptoms of exposure and ways to reduce overall levels .
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“Air Quality Guidelines – Formaldehyde,”
World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe
WHO document examines how humans are exposed to formaldehyde, how the body processes it, and potential health effects. Based on a thorough review of existing tests and experiments, the WHO recommendeds that indoor air levels not exceed 0.08 ppm.
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Emissions from Wood and Wood Materials

“Formaldehyde Emission from Solid Wood,”
Meyer & Boehme
Tests of five raw wood species found all of them contain and emit formaldehyde naturally, before they are processed or treated in any way.
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“Formaldehyde Emission from Solid Wood,”
WQI Limited
A summary of investigations into formaldehyde emissions from pine trees in New Zealand looking at differences in emissions within and between trees on one site, different sites, and versus a range of other species.
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“Evaluating the Contribution of UF-bonded Building Materials to Indoor Formaldehyde Levels in a Newly Constructed House,”
U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Particleboard Association (NPA)
Definitive EPA-led “pilot home” study to systematically evaluate how much urea formaldehyde (UF)-bonded building materials contribute to indoor formaldehyde concentrations in a newly constructed home. Measured air concentrations showed average levels decreased to less than 0.045 ppm within 30 days and found the measured values to be 50 percent below the levels predicted by commonly used indoor air models.
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“Decay or the Decrease in Formaldehyde Concentrations or Emissions over Time and UF-bonded Wood Panel Products,”
Groah
Studies of the decrease in formaldehyde concentrations over time in homes finds variations but suggests a reduction of 25% to 40% during the first four to six weeks, and reductions of 50% or more within 18 to 24 months
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“Long-term Study of Formaldehyde Emission Decay from Particleboard,”
Zinn, Cline & Lehmann
Long-term studies of a broad cross section of particleboard products show formaldehyde emission levels decrease over time, with 25% reductions in just 38 days.
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Effectively Reducing Emissions from Wood Products

“Effectiveness of Barriers to Minimize VOC Emissions including Formaldehyde,”
Barry & Corneau
This 2003 research evaluated ten commonly used surface finishes for particleboard and medium density fiberboard and found that they generally act as a very effective barrier to off-gassing, reducing formaldehyde emissions up to 99%.
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Formaldehyde Risk Assessment Findings

“Canadian Environmental Protection Act, Priority Substances List, Assessment Report – Formaldehyde”
Comprehensive regulatory risk assessment review of formaldehyde health effects and exposure. Includes vast amounts of data on concentrations in air (outdoor and indoor), drinking water, food, consumer products, etc. and human exposure assessments from inhalation and ingestion. An in-depth resource and reference document for anyone interested in the scientific and regulatory complexity of this subject.
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“Formaldehyde: Overview of Current Issues and Challenges for the Future,”
Golden
Excellent paper on the abundance of formaldehyde in the world, its essential biological role, how to understand its hazards and risks, typical exposure levels, and a review of animal studies and the new CIIT model.
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“Formaldehyde: A Case Study in Regulation, Risk Assessment, and Industry Response,”
Schotland
Based on a review of experimental studies of rodents, human statistical studies and the regulatory history of formaldehyde, the author finds that agency regulation has been effective, and current levels pose little risk to humans.
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Links to Other Organizations

Formaldehyde Council

FormaCare