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Formaldehyde: How to know when it's lurking in the corner...

By Megan Roth

As I mentioned previously, OSHA has set the maximum level of formaldehyde exposure at .75 ppm (meaning ¾ (.75) parts formaldehyde per million parts air) before it is considered unsafe to one’s health. I also mentioned that it’s incredibly difficult for any joe-schmo to determine when exposure levels are in excess of this.

Quite obviously, factory workers aren’t going to walk around taking samples of the air and then breaking it down (or whatever it is you do to determine such components) each and every day.

Instead, it is the responsibility of the institution/organization to know (and communicate) the levels of each and every chemical/toxin present in their environment. The details of these levels must be adequately communicated to those working in the affected facilities.First and foremost, those working in manufacturing and medical facilities must know what they’re working with. Employers are legally obligated to tell you which chemicals are present, but just because they don’t specifically say formaldehyde doesn’t mean it isn’t there.

For example, formalin is a commonly-used compound of formaldehyde and methyl alcohol in water. It isn’t in a pure form, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less dangerous. Formaldehyde can be included in numerous compounds and is referenced by many other names (some similar sounding, some not); thus, it’s important you know which compounds count the chemical as a component.

One of the best ways to do this: utilize a fact sheet (both before, during, and after you’ve been notified of which chemicals are present at your job site).

But what about at home? We already know that formaldehyde is present in many household items and products we use on a daily basis. But how can you determine when the level of formaldehyde in your home caps above the OSHA’s safety level?

The easiest way to do this is to measure the chemical with a passive formaldehyde monitor, which come in a variety of models. The primary difference between one model and the next? The turn-around time on results. Some models require the test to be mailed in for results, others provide feedback in hours, and still others provide real-time results. Despite the aforementioned differences, each type of passive formaldehyde monitor shares a set of similarities: they do not need electricity to function and they operate without the use of any moving parts.

Thus, these monitors are user-friendly and require just a few simple steps in order to function effectively. Like anything else, each monitor will come with a manual providing instructions on how to use the device; however, we figure it never hurts to provide a few usage pointers that may up your chance of gaining the most accurate results: follow the directions provided, place the monitor in general use areas of the home, place the monitor somewhere so that it rests approximately five feet off the floor so that it rests at a height similar to your normal breathing zone.

Some consider such monitors to be a bit pricey for a one-time use device; however, when you really stop to think about it, $100 (give or take a few depending on the model you choose) a small price to pay for confidence that formaldehyde is not roaming freely amongst your belongings and your home.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Megan Roth

Full post as published by Des Moines Personal Injury Lawyer on December 01, 2008 (boomark / email).