Formaldehyde in
the furniture industry
Formaldehyde is an organic compound (chemical formula CH2O). It is an important ingredient in the manufacture of furniture and industrial wood products. However, it is also a substance that causes a lot of controversy about safety for users.
The use of formaldehyde in furniture manufacturing
In the furniture industry, Formaldehyde is used as a primary binder in the manufacture of materials such as plywood, floor coverings and wall panels. It is added to these products to give them greater durability and resistance to moisture and termites.
However, it is also a carcinogen that has been classified in group 1 (carcinogens to humans) by the World Health Organization (WHO). The use of formaldehyde-containing furniture products can cause many health problems, including irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, rashes, headaches, and breathing difficulties.
Therefore, to protect human health, many countries have applied regulations restricting the use of this substance in the production of interior products.
Safety standards related to Formaldehyde
In the wood manufacturing industry, emission standards are an important factor to ensure that wood products are safe for human health and the environment.
These standards can be applied globally or be regulated in individual countries. In the US, the CARB (California Air Resources Board) standard has been applied to limit Formaldehyde emissions in wood products.
In addition, E0, E1, E2 are common standards in Europe and Asia. These standards stipulate that the formaldehyde content in wood products ranges from very low to moderate.
The E0 standard is used to evaluate the safety of industrial wood products only, with formaldehyde concentrations below 0.4 mg/liter. This is the highest level and shows that the laminate product contains almost no harmful substances.
Standard E1 applies to wood products with formaldehyde concentrations from 0.4mg/liter to 1.5mg/liter. This is the standard level, ensuring that industrial wood products are not toxic during use.
The last is the E2 standard, which applies to wood products with a formaldehyde concentration greater than 1.5mg/liter. These are high levels and can be harmful to human health, so consumers should avoid using wood products with emission concentrations that exceed this standard.
How to handle toxic odors in interior products
Some ways to deal with toxic odors from Formaldehyde in furniture include:
Ventilation: Open doors and windows to help air circulate and remove harmful odors from Formaldehyde.
Use activated carbon: Activated carbon has the ability to adsorb harmful substances and is an effective solution to remove emissions from interior products.
Use deodorant products: Products such as air purifiers, dehumidifiers, or cleaning products are capable of deodorizing harmful odors.
Use natural plants: Grow plants such as trees, flowers, or grass to absorb harmful substances and minimize harmful odors.
In general, Formaldehyde is a hazardous substance in furniture manufacturing and should be controlled and handled properly. Consumers need to be careful when choosing furniture products and take measures to minimize harmful effects from Formaldehyde.
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