How to Get Rid of Formaldehyde in Your SG Home | Safe and Healthy Living Tips

Singapore is facing a worrying increase in health problems among children and elderly people. Recent studies have shown that these health issues are linked to the high use of formaldehyde in paints and wood products, which are often found in homes, schools, and workplaces. Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a strong smell, and it can cause serious health problems, especially for people with sensitive breathing or weak immune systems. Children and the elderly are particularly at risk from formaldehyde exposure, which can lead to various health issues. The Singapore government is taking necessary action to reduce the use of formaldehyde in household products. Are you aware of this?

Let’s see what formaldehyde is, where it is used, and how to protect ourselves from its harmful effects.

What is formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a strong-smelling, colorless chemical often used in building materials, household items, and as a preservative in laboratories.

Where is it used?

You can find formaldehyde in products like pressed wood, glues, and coatings. It’s commonly used due to its preservative and adhesive properties. Opting for formaldehyde-free products can help reduce these health risks and create a safer environment for you and your family.

How to protect yourself from formaldehyde exposure

Lowering formaldehyde levels in your home is crucial for your health. This chemical, present in many common items, can negatively impact your air quality. In this guide, we’ll offer easy tips to reduce your exposure, such as reading labels, opting for safer materials, and enhancing ventilation. These measures can contribute to a safer and healthier living environment.

Verify Certification Labels

When purchasing new products, it’s essential to check for certification labels that indicate low or no formaldehyde emissions. These labels are a reliable way to ensure that the products you bring into your home are safer and healthier. To make sure you’re picking healthier and eco-friendly products, look for the Singapore Green Label and E0 low rating certificates. These are given by the Singapore Green Building Council. These certifications show that the products meet strict rules for formaldehyde and other harmful substances.

Choose Solid Wood

Engineered wood products, such as plywood, particleboard, and MDF (medium-density fiberboard), often use adhesives that contain formaldehyde. Instead, choose solid wood or metal items and home furniture, window, doors as they are less likely to have formaldehyde. These materials are not only more durable but also help create a safer indoor environment.

Choose Low-VOC or Formaldehyde-Free Paints

Many paints and finishes have volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including formaldehyde. When picking paints or finishes for your home, choose low-VOC or formaldehyde-free options. These choices are available in Singapore and help improve indoor air quality.

Choose Natural Fibers

Textiles and carpets can sometimes contain formaldehyde. Choose natural fibers such as cotton, wool, or linen, which are less likely to be treated with formaldehyde-based resins. Also, look for products labeled as organic or untreated for extra assurance.

Avoid Smoking Indoors

Tobacco smoke adds a lot of formaldehyde to the air. When you burn cigarettes or other tobacco products, they release formaldehyde, which can make the air inside your home polluted. This can be harmful to everyone, especially kids and older people. To keep your home healthier, don’t smoke indoors. If you smoke, try to do it outside or consider quitting for a better environment.

Enhance Ventilation

Good ventilation helps lower formaldehyde levels inside. Keep your home well-ventilated by using exhaust fans, opening windows often, and using air purifiers with activated carbon filters to help remove formaldehyde from the air.

What are the Side Effects of Formaldehyde?

While formaldehyde is useful in manufacturing, it can be harmful, especially when inhaled. It may cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. Long-term exposure to high levels of formaldehyde has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to these effects.

Choose E0 Formaldehyde-Rated wood Products

When choosing wood products for your home, it’s crucial to consider formaldehyde levels, as high levels can lead to indoor air pollution and health risks. For instance, selecting doors with an E0 formaldehyde rating ensures very low emissions, contributing to a safer environment.

In Singapore, creating a healthy home means choosing products that minimize exposure to harmful chemicals. E0-rated doors are an excellent choice, meeting the highest standards for low formaldehyde emissions.

Whether you’re renovating or simply upgrading, opting for doors with low formaldehyde ratings helps maintain clean air and a safe living space. Reducing formaldehyde exposure is essential for a healthy home, so carefully choose certified, low-VOC products to improve indoor air quality.

For doors, look for those with an E0 formaldehyde rating, which means very low emissions. Laminate Door trusted supplier offers E0-rated doors that are both safe and stylish. Choosing Laminate Door’s products helps ensure that your home stays healthy and comfortable.

With Laminate Door, you can make a smart choice for better indoor air and a safer home environment.