Shortly after people moved in, numerous inhabitants said they began experiencing health problems ranging from headaches and runny noses to chronic respiratory problems and nosebleeds. The CDC came in and took a random sample of 519 travel trailers and mobile homes testing between Dec. 21, 2007 and Jan. 23, 2008. Results showed average levels of formaldehyde in all units of about 77 parts per billion (ppb).  Long-term exposure to levels in this range can be linked to an increased risk of cancer, and as levels rise above this range, there can also be a risk of respiratory illness.  These levels are higher than expected in indoor air, where levels are commonly in the range of 10-20 ppb.  Levels measured ranged from 3 ppb to 590 ppb.

Formaldehyde is an widely used industrial chemical that can cause an array of health problems and has been classified as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Recent research has also linked formaldehyde with ALS. It is used in pressed wood products such as particleboard, plywood, and fiberboard, glues and adhesives, paper product coatings, and certain insulation materials. High heat and humidity will increase the rate of off-gassing.

The formaldehyde issue is not confined to RVs and mobile homes, but is also a significant health threat in regular and modular homes, apartments, offices and classrooms. The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union in Australia recently issued a statement that formaldehyde is a ticking time bomb for another asbestos like health disaster. They say that that the combination of both short-term exposures and the potential of increased cancer risks with long-term exposure is a convincing argument that their country should implement stricter regulations on its use. “There is also a long-term health effect for ordinary householders- particularly when you think of a kitchen and kitchen cupboards where food is stored. Tests have indicated that the formaldehyde cures out of the product into the air for up to 20 years after it’s been installed”, said Martin Kingham, the union’s health and safety coordinator.

It is difficult to pinpoint a source of formaldehyde since the substance can be in furniture, food additives and basically in more places than it’s not. The best way you can avoid exposure is to arm yourself with knowledge of what are biggest formaldehyde emitters and alternatives to those products. 

Biggest Formaldehyde Emitters

Particle Board- the worst on the market is made in China

Interior glues used in sub-flooring. Avoid products that contain formaldehyde-based glues.

Carpets

Kitchen Cabinets 

Most structural engineered wood is glued together with binders that contain phenol formaldehyde, a product with minimal off gassing. The binders used for some non-structural, interior grade products, like particleboard, MDF, and hardwood plywood, however, can contain urea formaldehyde, the volatile compound that is classified as a carcinogen. Urea formaldehyde is also linked to respiratory problems; a telltale sign of its presence is the "new" smell that most kitchen and bathroom cabinets emit. MDF generally contains the most resin of all wood products and therefore are the biggest emitters. Other sources of formaldehyde in the home can come from glues, paints and other finishes, fiberglass insulation, clothes, upholstery and draperies (it is used for fabric treatments such as permanent press), along with the use of unvented, fuel-burning appliances. EPA Information on Formaldehyde.

What are Your Alternatives?

Solid Wood (Look for CSA, SFI, FSC or PEFC certified woods)

Ask about the formaldehyde content of pressed wood products, including building materials, cabinetry, and furniture before you purchase them.

Use GreenSpec, GreenSeries, Greenguard or GreenSeal reference guidelines to help you choose a formaldehyde-free product.

PureBond

Although phenol-formaldehyde emits less than urea-formaldehyde, both resins are derived from fossil fuels and still have toxic chemical problems associated with their manufacture. New regulations in California, to take effect in 2009, restrict urea formaldehyde emissions (but does not deal with phenol formaldehyde). The California Air Resources Board estimates that conforming to the urea formaldehyde restrictions will add less than one dollar to the cost of a typical panel. In response to regulations and consumer awareness, manufacturers are developing formaldehyde-free binders such as methylene diphenyl isocyanate (MDI) and polyvinyl acetate (PVA). The most promising alternative is the soy based adhesive Columbia Forest Products has developed for plywood called PureBond - a non toxic, renewable, and cost neutral alternative.

Other articles of interest:

Formaldehyde in clothes

Binders in Manufactured Wood Products: Beyond Formaldehyde