FORMALDEHYDE

Formaldehyde is a chemical commonly used in the manufacture of building materials and numerous household products. At room temperature, formaldehyde vaporizes into the air, potentially causing serious health problems. It is also a by-product of combustion process. When you burn things like natural gas, wood, gasoline, or tobacco, formaldehyde gas is released into the air.

THE MOST SIGNIFICANT SOURCES OF FORMALDEHYDE IN HOMES ARE:

pressed wood products (e.g. particle board, plywood paneling, and medium density fiberboard [MDF])
foam insulation
carpets
drapery fabrics
resins
glues
cigarettes
un-vented fuel-burning appliances (e.g. gas stoves or kerosene heaters)

HEALTH EFFECTS OF FORMALDEHYDE:

eye, nose, throat burning and irritation
nausea
skin rashes
breathing difficulties for some people
asthma attacks (triggered by high concentrations)

Formaldehyde is also considered a known human carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) and is classified as a Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP) by the EPA.

VOCs

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are harmful chemicals emitted by various products and materials we have in our homes. Most VOCs cannot be detected by smell, and can trigger (or even exacerbate) asthma attacks.

VOCs are chemicals that are easily evaporated at room temperature into a gas (from a solid or liquid source) that is emitted into the air. Concentrations of these chemicals can be up to 100 times higher indoors than outdoors. Thousands of products – many that we use or are exposed to every day – emit VOCs into the air while they are being used and when they are stored (to some degree). These products include:

Paints & varnishes
Moth balls
Solvents
Building materials
Pesticides
Gasoline
Fuel oil
Cooking oils, etc.
Cleaning supplies
Carpeting
Wallpaper
Vinyl flooring
Dry-cleaning
Candles

Growing mold
Copiers & printers
Upholstery & fabrics
Glues & adhesives
Permanent markers
Craft materials
Cosmetics
Hair care products
Air fresheners
Disinfectants
Furniture (pressed wood)
Vehicle exhaust
Tobacco smoke

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the European Union (EU) suggest that levels greater than 500 ng/L (Nano grams per liter) of VOCs could pose a health hazard in homes. However, data from thousands of homes tested show the median value is 1,200 ng/L - more than twice the recommended level!

Even slightly elevated levels of these airborne chemicals could produce health concerns for people - particularly young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those who suffer from allergies and asthma.

While all VOCs have the potential to be harmful, there are a few common VOCs that can be particularly dangerous, and are emitted from a number of products in our homes. These common VOCs are Formaldehyde, benzene, and phenol. They are classified as Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
For a complete list of all 188 HAPs, click here to visit the EPA website.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECEIVE RESULTS?

5-7 Business Days

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

$250 for up to 2,000 sqft and $150 for every additional test needed.

CAN THIS TEST BE COMBINED WITH OTHER TESTS?

Yes! There is a $50 discount per multiple Air Quality Tests.

DOES A STANDARD HOME INSPECTION COVER VOC TESTING?

No, a standard Home Inspection will cover a combustion safety test. A VOC test comes with a Gold or Platinum Home inspection or can be a stand-alone test.