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How do I Choose the Best Formaldehyde Test?

Britt Archer
Britt Archer

Many people are exposed to formaldehyde every day without even knowing it. This chemical, commonly used in the medical world to preserve dead tissue samples, is a suspected carcinogen and is found in everyday items as a preservative or adhesive in products such as drapes, cosmetics, particleboard, clothing and pharmaceuticals. A formaldehyde test can determine the amount of formaldehyde in the environment or within a specific person. A do-it-yourself formaldehyde test kit is one easy and effective way to figure out how much of this chemical is released into the air of a dwelling on a regular basis.

A good formaldehyde test should be able to detect minute levels of this chemical in a setting such as a house. It is a good idea to select a formaldehyde test that can be sent away for proper laboratory testing. Analysis of the results at home may not be as accurate or sensitive as those whose results are interpreted by trained professionals in a sterile and controlled setting.

Hives are one possible side effect of formaldehyde exposure.
Hives are one possible side effect of formaldehyde exposure.

Formaldehyde effects can range from mild to severe. Exposure can build up over time, leading to cumulative effects and a greater sensitivity to formaldehyde over time. Irritation of the eyes, ears, nose and throat, coughing, rashes and hives, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and nosebleeds are considered mild and moderate problems that formaldehyde can cause when unacceptable exposure levels are reached. If these symptoms are apparent, or if formaldehyde exposure is suspected, a formaldehyde test may be warranted.

Formaldehyde can cause eye irritation.
Formaldehyde can cause eye irritation.

Formaldehyde emissions can be brought down in a number of ways. Introducing proper ventilation, reducing the humidity level and treating items that contain formaldehyde with special sealants can reduce the amount of formaldehyde in a home. Regulating the temperature and humidity of a home prevents a process known as off gassing, in which gasses, including formaldehyde fumes, are released from items due to changes in climate.

Headaches and dizziness are among the mild side effects of formaldehyde exposure.
Headaches and dizziness are among the mild side effects of formaldehyde exposure.

There are a few things to check for when choosing a formaldehyde test. First, make sure laboratory testing fees are included. Some tests will include this in the purchase price, while others will include a list of laboratories and leave the consumer to pay for the testing. Also make sure that the manufacturer's instructions are easy to understand and the test can be performed accurately in a living space. Not following instructions can lead to a false result, giving the consumer inaccurate information or leading to the purchase of a second test kit and more fees.

Discussion Comments

madendetroit

Do you know where I coud order a Formaldehyde test kit? We have Lumber Liquidator flooring and already did thier test kits.

rvh

@Peter: I'm also dealing with a toxic cabinet issue. Would you be willing to share your experiences? I'm sure I would learn a lot.

anon234988

@Peter: I'm not an expert, but have done a great deal of research on formaldehyde due to our kitchen cabinets poisoning us with toxic levels of formaldehyde off-gassing.

What I can tell you from my reading is that it is more likely the formaldehyde attached to the dust particles found their way into clothing and onto the skin and were present long enough to cause a rash. This can happen easy enough especially if you reuse "work clothes" without washing in between (not a comment on your cleanliness but as a DIYer myself, I sometimes use the clothes for an hour while cutting and set aside to reuse the next day for an hour.

anon149869

Over the past several weeks, I have been working with MDF building a fireplace mantel. When cutting the MDF I work with a dust mask.

Recently however, I have been breaking out with hives over different areas of my body. They tend to become very itchy as well. Is this the result of MDF dust I have ingested? The symptoms tend to last 24 hours and then disappear. Thank you, Peter

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    • Hives are one possible side effect of formaldehyde exposure.
      By: Rob Byron
      Hives are one possible side effect of formaldehyde exposure.
    • Formaldehyde can cause eye irritation.
      By: Kasi Lodrigue
      Formaldehyde can cause eye irritation.
    • Headaches and dizziness are among the mild side effects of formaldehyde exposure.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      Headaches and dizziness are among the mild side effects of formaldehyde exposure.
    • Exposure to formaldehyde over time can lead to nosebleeds.
      By: britta60
      Exposure to formaldehyde over time can lead to nosebleeds.
    • Unexpected exposure to formaldehyde can cause nausea and vomiting.
      By: carla9
      Unexpected exposure to formaldehyde can cause nausea and vomiting.
    • Frequent exposure to formaldehyde may cause breathing difficulties and asthma attacks.
      By: jovannig
      Frequent exposure to formaldehyde may cause breathing difficulties and asthma attacks.