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The first step to removing formaldehyde is to educate yourself. Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a characteristic, pungent odor that is commonly used as a component of adhesives, textiles, and furniture. However, it can also occur as a pollutant in the air, for example when it is released by building materials or furniture. A high load with Formaldehyde can cause symptoms such as eye irritation, coughing, headaches and breathing difficulties. Long-term exposure can also potentially lead to cancer. Formaldehyde can also get stuck in clothing and furniture, spreading odors there. In this article we have briefly summarized how formaldehyde can be detected and removed and what measures can help.
Intuition or the characteristic smell usually helps at the beginning to detect a source of formaldehyde. For example, can you detect a pungent odor in a certain place in the room or apartment? Are there places that are often stuffy or the air is still? Write these places on a list. Then air out all areas as thoroughly as possible and repeat the odor test again after 24 hours. According to your individual assessment, are some places confirmed? Please note that the evaporation of formaldehyde depends on the temperature. Therefore, make sure that the room temperature remains constant between 23 – is 25 °C.
If you are unsure or the smell test is too unclear, then we recommend using one formaldehyde test narrow down the source of the pollutant. In the following article we have 4 typical test methods compared so that you can choose the test that suits your case. For example, this is a simple and quick test that quickly provides site-specific information about formaldehyde emissions Pollupatch room kit.
Depending on the nature of the source, one or more measures can be used to quickly remove formaldehyde. In the following section we have compiled some common measures.
Close open wood spots:
Tape open wood spots with aluminum tape from the hardware store. Look for damage to the surface or open pressboard edges.
Avoid synthetic fibers
In particular, garments made from polyester fibers or pieces identified as „Wrinkle-Resistant“ classified often contain chemicals that emit formaldehyde. Avoid these or let them air out longer.
Depending on the source of the pollutant, various measures can be used to remove formaldehyde, and you can often help yourself. If the problem is deeper, extensive remedial measures may also be necessary under certain circumstances. This is where it really helps to identify exactly where the problem is coming from. However, the priority is to deal with the topic right from the start and to pay attention to certificates and product quality. The best scenario is always to avoid potential sources of pollution from the start. In order to identify the source of the pollutant yourself, commercially available Formaldehyde rapid tests bring certainty.