If you suspect high levels of formaldehyde in your home or building, it is important to get a comprehensive formaldehyde test and inspection conducted. At Florida Inspections Unlimited, we offer skilled and professional environmental testing and consulting for owners, buyers, and realtors throughout South Florida. Also offer recommendations concerning excess levels of formaldehyde in the home or building. We will test your home or place of business to ensure that excess levels of formaldehyde are not affecting your health and that of your family or employees.
What is Formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is a chemical found in many common materials in the home or building. As a colorless, flammable chemical, formaldehyde can have a strong odor. It is most commonly found in building materials such as:
- Laminate floors
- Cabinetry
- Pressed wood products {particle board, plywood paneling, and medium density fiberboard (MDF)s
- Foam insulation
- Carpets
- Drapery fabrics
- Resins; glues
- Cigarettes
- Unvented fuel-burning appliances (gas stoves or kerosene heaters)
Low Levels vs. High Levels
According to a report conducted by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, formaldehyde is normally present in indoor and outdoor air but at very low levels. But when materials containing formaldehyde are introduced into an indoor environment, they release a gas or vapor into the air. When formaldehyde is present at high levels, some individuals will experience adverse health effects.
The Health Consequences of Formaldehyde Exposure
With regard to human health, exposure to formaldehyde can come with a vast array of health consequences. It has been implicated in certain cancers, specifically lung and nasal cancer. It can also compromise the immune system which can lead to other complications. Even short-term exposure to vapors can result in symptoms such as headaches, itching or burning eyes and nose, asthma and other respiratory illnesses, mental confusion, nosebleeds, rashes, and other symptoms. People who are suffering from asthma and hyper-reactive airways are especially susceptible. Further exposure can come from skin contact as well as ingestion.
Ways You Can Reduce Your Household Levels
Reducing formaldehyde levels in your home can be done to a certain degree.
- Reducing air temperature and humidity levels inside the home help since heat increases outgassing. Move any furniture made with manufactured wood, fiberboard or pressboard away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Increasing ventilation for even 5 to 10 minutes once or twice a day can serve to purge formaldehyde. Bring in fresh air through central ventilation systems and run ceiling or window fans to provide circulation.
- Using an air purifier with an activated carbon filter will reduce formaldehyde. Naturally filter the air inside your home using house plants.
- Discontinue using toxic household and cleaning products. Formaldehyde can found be in many household cleaning products and even cosmetic products and baby wipes.
It’s important that we, as consumers, make ourselves educated and take necessary steps to protect ourselves from these dangers. Considering so many of our products are imported, it is even more imperative for us to be educated consumers of household products that may be hiding formaldehyde.
Professional Formaldehyde Testing
The best way to protect your home, your family, or your employees is to have a professional formaldehyde test conducted, particularly in a new home or environment. Since 2008, Florida Inspections Unlimited has provided unsurpassed professionalism and expertise in the area of home and commercial inspections with an intensive focus on indoor environmental hazards. Our findings are always supported by transparent inspection protocols and verified by laboratory analysis. As a local leader for inspection services in the South Florida area, we serve Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Monroe counties.
We provide expert inspection services tailored to meet your individual needs. Our service areas cover Miami-Dade County, Broward County, Palm Beach County, and Monroe County. Miami, Weston , Fort Lauderdale, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Cutler Bay, Pinecrest, Homestead, South Miami, Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, Tamarac, Dania Beach, Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, Southwest Ranches, Davie, Hollywood, Hallandale Beach, Sunny Isles, and Aventura.
For fast, thorough, and professional environmental inspection services in Miami and throughout South Florida, call Florida Inspections Unlimited in Miami Dade County: 305-910-1171 or Broward County: 954-861-0666.