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What are Formaldehyde Free Products?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Formaldehyde free products are products which are not manufactured with the use of formaldehyde, a chemical compound which has been linked with human health problems. Formaldehyde is a highly useful and widely utilized chemical compound, and people are sometimes surprised to learn about all of the places in which it can appear. Awareness about the health risks of prolonged formaldehyde exposure has led many consumers to start seeking out formaldehyde free products due to safety concerns.

One of the most common uses for formaldehyde is in building materials like insulation and particleboard. Formaldehyde also appears in nail polish, resins, molded products, paper towels, paints, fabrics, explosives, adhesives, and disinfectants. Research strongly suggests that formaldehyde can be carcinogenic, and it has also been linked with allergies and the development of health problems such as headaches, nose bleeds, and skin rashes. The levels at which formaldehyde exposure can become dangerous are unclear, which is why many consumers are worried about the use of formaldehyde in products they use.

Formaldehyde can appear in paper towel products.
Formaldehyde can appear in paper towel products.

Products which contain formaldehyde will gradually offgas the compound into the air, where it can be inhaled. People can also be exposed to formaldehyde as materials break down, as for example when particle board starts to chip and people inhale the dust. While a single item containing formaldehyde might not be a major risk, a room like a kitchen could include numerous examples of building materials which contain formaldehyde including paint, linoleum, kitchen cabinets, and so forth.

Some cleaning products and disinfectants list formaldehyde as an ingredient.
Some cleaning products and disinfectants list formaldehyde as an ingredient.

Companies which manufacture formaldehyde free products pledge to use alternatives for formaldehyde in the production of their products. Often, such products are more expensive, because the company may have to invest more time and effort into developing their products. Many companies want to develop formaldehyde free products which are equivalent to products which contain formaldehyde, going for the same level of durability and attempting to mimic other properties so that consumers are not inconvenienced by their decision to seek products which do not contain formaldehyde.

Many kinds of paint have formaldehyde.
Many kinds of paint have formaldehyde.

Labeling laws for such products vary. People who are curious about whether or not a product labeled as “formaldehyde free” is really free of formaldehyde can ask for formaldehyde testing, in which the chemical can be identified by a laboratory and the lab can determine how much of the chemical is present, if it is identified. Consumers with concerns may also want to consider sourcing things like building supplies through companies which audit their distributors to confirm that the claims they make are really true.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AboutMechanics researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a AboutMechanics researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Bertie68

Since before the 1970s, formaldehyde has been a problem. In the 1970s, woodwork and walls were made with formaldehyde. In time, they stopped using formaldehyde and started using safer substitutes, but it was more expensive.

What it gets down to is making money despite the products used - even when they know that their products are made from things that can be carcinogenic.

I consider that kind of action to show no integrity at all. It's possible, but not convenient, to find out if formaldehyde is contained in a product.

wander

I was shocked to find out that extra formaldehyde was used to preserve some foods, even though it is known to be dangerous to humans. It is believed that it is sometimes added in food processing to not only preserve some foods but bleach them as well.

Some foods that have been found to have high levels of formaldehyde are things like mung bean vermicelli and soya bean sticks.

In many countries this practice is illegal, and you shouldn't have to worry about it. But, if you enjoy imported foods, be careful to check that they are formaldehyde free products. Some foods have naturally occurring formaldehyde in them, but the levels are so low they pose no danger.

Sara007

If you are buying nail polish it is a good idea to make sure it is free of formaldehyde. This is especially true if you have younger children who enjoy giving themselves manicures and pedicures.

Formaldehyde has been suspected as one of the cancer causing agents that is used in products. I feel that it is better to be safe than sorry, so I just don't use it.

If you are looking for formaldehyde on your label, sometimes you won't see it. Check for diasolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl, and Quaternium-15. These chemicals are all known to release formaldehyde when they are broken down.

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    • Formaldehyde can appear in paper towel products.
      By: didecs
      Formaldehyde can appear in paper towel products.
    • Some cleaning products and disinfectants list formaldehyde as an ingredient.
      By: diego cervo
      Some cleaning products and disinfectants list formaldehyde as an ingredient.
    • Many kinds of paint have formaldehyde.
      By: mrallen
      Many kinds of paint have formaldehyde.
    • Research suggests formaldehyde may be connected to health issues like nose bleeds.
      By: britta60
      Research suggests formaldehyde may be connected to health issues like nose bleeds.
    • Formaldehyde has been linked with the development of skin rashes on some people.
      By: defun
      Formaldehyde has been linked with the development of skin rashes on some people.
    • Frequent exposure to formaldehyde may cause breathing difficulty and asthma attacks.
      By: jovannig
      Frequent exposure to formaldehyde may cause breathing difficulty and asthma attacks.
    • Products can be tested for the presence of formaldehyde in a lab.
      By: diego cervo
      Products can be tested for the presence of formaldehyde in a lab.