Symptoms of Formaldehyde Exposure

Could formaldehyde exposure be making you or your family sick? The answer, unfortunately, is yes. It’s a potent chemical and known carcinogen that can be emitted from products found all over the average home; in fact, if you have shelving, walls, cabinets, flooring, or furniture made from particle board or pressed wood, you need to be aware of what the symptoms of formaldehyde related illness are.

Recent publications show that formaldehyde was present in wood flooring imported from Asia by a major flooring company.  If you have installed wood flooring during the last few years, you may need testing.

Some of the most common adverse reactions to formaldehyde are very much like the symptoms many people have following exposure to pollen and other allergens. Frequent headaches, itchy, burning eyes, a scratchy sore throat, a hacking cough, and sometimes even nosebleeds are typical reactions to formaldehyde, and the longer and more intense the exposure, the more severe the symptoms are likely to be. The eyes may become red and runny, the sore throat may progress to a dry, raspy ache, and the cough may be exacerbated by nasal congestion and post-nasal drip.

In more severe cases, the symptoms of exposure to formaldehyde can escalate to include chest congestion and tightness, eye infections, bronchitis, and even asthma. People who are particularly sensitive to formaldehyde may experience unusual fatigue, feelings of weakness or lassitude, and restless and disturbed sleep. Children and elderly people are generally the most sensitive to formaldehyde but all adults experience symptoms – no one is immune.
How can you tell if the symptoms you or your family are experiencing are related to formaldehyde contamination in your home? If the symptoms appear or are noticeably worse when you’re at home, you should definitely consider having your home tested. Other possible signals are that the people who have the most symptoms are those who spend the most time in the house, or the symptoms get less intense when windows are open and the house is well ventilated. Another possible sign of formaldehyde exposure is that the symptoms get worse on hot, humid days but decrease in severity on dry, cool days.

The only way to be really certain whether your symptoms are related to formaldehyde is to schedule formaldehyde testing by an expert and reputable firm like AirMD. If you have concerns, don’t wait. Your family’s health could be at stake.

To ask an AirMD scientist a question about this service please Click Here or to schedule an appointment call 1-888-462-4763 or 1-888-GO-AIRMD