What Levels of Formaldehyde Are Normal?
Formaldehyde is normally present at low levels, usually less than 0.03 ppm, in both out door and indoor air. Residences or offices that contain products that release formaldehyde to the air can have formaldehyde levels of greater than 0.03 ppm. Products that may add formaldehyde to the air include particleboard used as sub-flooring or shelving, fiberboard in cabinets and furniture, plywood wall panels, and urea-formaldehyde as insulation. As formaldehyde levels increase, illness or discomfort is more likely to occur and may be more serious. What Affects Formaldehyde Levels? Formaldehyde levels in the indoor air depend mainly on what is releasing the formaldehyde (the source), the temperature, the humidity, and the air exchange rate (the amount of outdoor air entering or leaving the indoor area). Increasing the flow of outdoor air to the inside decreases the formaldehyde levels. Decreasing this flow of outdoor air by sealing the residence or office increases the formaldehyde level in th
