Everyone knows that formaldehyde is a harmful gas, and they also know that newly renovated houses cannot be inhabited immediately. So the question is, how long does it take for formaldehyde to dissipate?
What is formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde, also known as formic aldehyde, is a flammable, colorless, and pungent gas that is soluble in water. It is an important organic raw material in industry, which is why we often smell a pungent odor during house renovations.
How long does formaldehyde take to dissipate?
Currently, the time for formaldehyde to volatilize varies from 3 to 15 years. The main reason is that formaldehyde exists in different states. For example, formaldehyde in a strong state can dissipate within 3 months to 1 year. However, for some flooring or furniture containing polymerized formaldehyde, it can take up to 15 years to completely dissipate, and during this process, the concentration of formaldehyde emitted may vary with temperature and environmental changes.
Where does formaldehyde dissipate from?
The formaldehyde in furniture mainly comes from the adhesives and paint on the surface of the furniture. The formaldehyde in adhesive materials, which is in a polymerized state, takes longer to dissipate. On the other hand, the formaldehyde in paint on the furniture surface, which is in a free state, generally dissipates within a few months.
How can formaldehyde dissipate faster?
It is almost impossible to wait for formaldehyde in a polymerized state to completely dissipate. Therefore, we can choose to use some methods to speed up the dissipation of formaldehyde. Activated carbon, which is safe and non-toxic, is often chosen to absorb formaldehyde. Here is the specific method:
Generally, 600g of activated carbon can absorb formaldehyde in an area of 10 square meters. Therefore, for closed furniture such as wardrobes and bedside cabinets, placing 1-3 pieces of activated carbon can effectively absorb the formaldehyde in the furniture.
What to pay attention to during formaldehyde dissipation?
Long-term exposure to low doses of formaldehyde can cause chronic respiratory diseases, nasal and pharyngeal cancer, colon cancer, brain tumors, menstrual disorders, gene mutations in cell nuclei, single-strand cross-linking of DNA, DNA-protein cross-linking, inhibition of DNA damage repair, pregnancy syndrome, chromosomal abnormalities in newborns, leukemia, and a decrease in memory and intelligence in adolescents. Among all exposed individuals, children and pregnant women are particularly sensitive to formaldehyde and are therefore at greater risk.
Therefore, in newly renovated houses where formaldehyde has not completely dissipated, it is especially important to prevent pregnant women and children from inhaling formaldehyde, as it can cause significant harm to their health.
