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Identifying Formaldehyde in Homes and Buildings across California

Formaldehyde Testing Services

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	7/25/2024
Author	Paul Cochrane
Title	Identifying Formaldehyde in Homes and Buildings across California
Introduction	LA Testing provides laboratory testing services, sampling supplies, test kits and air monitoring instruments to detect and mitigate exposure to a wide range of chemical and microbial pollutants in the built environment.
Huntington Beach, California, July 25, 2024 All the way back in 1988, formaldehyde was added to California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment’s (OEHHA) list of chemicals known to cause cancer for purposes of Proposition 65. The agency warns that exposure can cause leukemia and cancers of the nose, throat and sinuses. The year prior, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen. In 2011, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) determined that formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen based on sufficient human and animal inhalation studies. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) also classifies formaldehyde as a human carcinogen. Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound (VOC) that is widely used by industry to manufacture building materials and various household products. As a gas, formaldehyde is colorless and has a strong odor. Exposure to high concentrations may trigger asthma attacks in some people with the condition. There is also some evidence that people can develop a sensitivity to formaldehyde. Various health effects could include eye, nose and throat irritation; wheezing and coughing; fatigue; and severe allergic reactions. “Sources of formaldehyde in the built environment include building materials, smoking, household products, and from the use of un-vented, fuel-burning appliances, including gas stoves or kerosene space heaters,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “One of the most significant sources of formaldehyde in many homes and buildings comes from the off-gassing of pressed wood products made using adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde resins. Formaldehyde can also be released from some types of insulation.” Dedicated to identifying exposure risks to formaldehyde and other airborne hazards are the scientists at LA Testing. Their California laboratories offer material, industrial hygiene and environmental testing services, along with all of the necessary sampling supplies. LA Testing has even sponsored an educational video about formaldehyde in the indoor environment that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/aiLI3SGjiws To learn more about formaldehyde or other air quality testing services, sampling supplies and monitoring instruments, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794. About LA Testing LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for environmental and indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, bacteria, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.