What is formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOC)?
Formaldehyde and VOCs are volatile organic compounds which are easily aerosolized. They are usually present in high concentration in household furniture and fixtures in new homes as they are used in the production of resins and binders, which are used in wood-products (e.g. particle board and plywood), pulp and paper, and mineral wool.
High concentration of formaldehyde/VOC can cause serious short and long-term health issues (irritation of respiratory system and eye, dermatitis, associated with nasopharyngeal cancer and leukaemia, etc).
In Singapore, guidelines on formaldehyde levels are set out by Singapore Standards (SS554). Industry guidelines are set out by Alliance for Action (AfA) on Sustainable Spaces, which is jointly formed by Singapore Business Federation, Singapore Furniture Industries Council, and Singapore Green Building Council.
Guideline on indoor formaldehyde levels is consistent between AfA and SS554, both recommending a formaldehyde emission limit of 0.1mg/m3 for all adhesives and paints used in interior spaces. Formaldehyde emission limit from composite wood follows European Standard (EN 13986) of 0.124mg/m3 .
