So you can enjoy your new home worry-free.
Ah, the “new house smell”. Much like the “new car smell", you might find it pleasant or overpowering – but whichever side you fall on, did you know that it could possibly affect your and your family’s health?
This smell is attributed to formaldehyde – a chemical that could be lurking in your spotless new cabinets made with pressed-wood products (plywood and particle boards, for instance), fresh paint or even your brand-new furniture.
If you don’t think it’s a big deal… this local family kept falling sick due to high formaldehyde levels.
Following such news and rising concerns among homeowners seeking help with high formaldehyde levels post-renovation, the NEA is actively studying the issue too – especially since it can cause health issues down the line.
But don’t worry too much: by planning ahead, you can reduce formaldehyde exposure in your home for better indoor air quality.
Here’s everything you need to know about taking precautions to lower formaldehyde levels while planning for your renovation, and afterwards too.
*Photos that follow are for illustration purposes only and in no way indicate formaldehyde levels in each project.
Formaldehyde is a colourless, strong-smelling gas that occurs naturally in the environment. It's also commonly found in household products, particularly those made using urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins, such as adhesives, pressed-wood furniture and cabinetry. Some paints and wallpapers can also release formaldehyde into the air.
While formaldehyde occurs naturally, studies have shown that at high concentrations, it can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, skin and throat. Prolonged formaldehyde exposure has even been linked to more serious health issues like respiratory problems and even cancer.
That’s why it’s important to keep formaldehyde levels to a minimum in your home, especially if you have children, elderly family members, or anyone with pre-existing health conditions like asthma.
A bit of planning goes a long way in reducing formaldehyde even before your renovation starts. Here’s how:
The simplest way to deal with formaldehyde is to avoid it from the start. These days, manufacturers have a lot more low-formaldehyde or formaldehyde-free options for furniture and building materials. Look out for:
- No VOC/Low VOC (volatile organic compound) products, including paints: these emit fewer harmful chemicals, including formaldehyde
- Pressed-wood product options that meet low emitting formaldehyde or no added formaldehyde requirements
Be sure to ask your ID about the aforementioned products/materials for custom carpentry and furniture; these are usually certified with the Singapore Green Labelling Scheme/Singapore Green Building Product Certification Scheme.
While it might not be an option for everyone, consider choosing solid wood over pressed wood: it’s typically more expensive, but it’s also a safer/healthier choice in the long run.
Plus, it’s durable and the solid wood lovers can all agree that it feels great to touch and looks lovely in any home.
Pro-tip: While it’s tempting to buy cheaper furnishings from the likes of Taobao, do keep in mind that many of these products are unregulated, and there’s no way to check on their formaldehyde levels.
Ventilate during and after renovation
Even if you’re careful with your material/furniture choices, some amount of off-gassing is inevitable. Off-gassing refers to the release of chemicals (like formaldehyde) into the air from products and materials.
During your renovation, make sure your home is properly ventilated throughout, especially since Singapore’s humid weather can exacerbate the release.
Open the windows and doors to let the fresh air in, and install and use exhaust fans where possible.
One of the easiest ways to reduce formaldehyde levels in your home after renovation is to improve ventilation. Keep your windows open whenever possible to allow fresh air to circulate and help disperse formaldehyde released from newly installed materials and furnishings.
New furniture can also release formaldehyde into the air, especially pieces made from pressed wood, such as shelves, tables and cabinets. Other furnishings, including carpets, rugs, upholstery and curtains, may also be sources of formaldehyde.
To remove formaldehyde emissions from furniture, let it air out in a well-ventilated space before use. This is especially useful for standalone pieces that can be moved easily. While airing out furniture won't eliminate formaldehyde completely, it can help reduce the amount that builds up in your home.
Should that odour still linger for weeks or months after your renovation, or you/family members experience symptoms like breathing problems and irritation only while you’re at home, it might be an indication that formaldehyde levels are high.
For extra peace of mind, you can also consider engaging professional formaldehyde removal services to assess formaldehyde levels in your home and recommend suitable treatments, especially if you're concerned about lingering emissions after renovation.
Besides that, it is often recommended to use air purifiers that have HEPA filters combined with activated carbon filters to trap fine particles and absorb gases like formaldehyde.
Still, take this with a pinch of salt: there is limited data on how effective air purifiers are in removing VOCs like formaldehyde in different real-world settings.
Breathe easy when you start your home journey right
Whether you’re just starting planning your renovation or you’ve recently wrapped up the project, taking steps to minimise formaldehyde exposure couldn’t be more important.
Discuss your concerns with your designer at the planning stage, and find out what safer alternatives are available.
By choosing low-formaldehyde materials and ventilating properly, you can enjoy your new space without worrying about harmful chemicals lingering in the air!
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