1. Home
  2. Fact Sheets
  3. Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde

Why am I being warned about potential exposure to formaldehyde?
  • Formaldehyde (gas) is on the  Proposition 65 list because it can cause cancer.
  • Exposure to formaldehyde can cause leukemia and cancers of the nose, throat, and sinuses.
  • Proposition 65 requires businesses to determine if they must provide a warning about significant exposure to listed chemicals.
What is formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas with a strong smell.  It is often an ingredient in adhesives used to make building materials and household products.

How does exposure to formaldehyde occur?
  • Exposure occurs by breathing air that contains formaldehyde.  Sources of formaldehyde include some:
    • Furniture products made with formaldehyde-containing adhesives, paints, lacquers, and other coatings.
    • Composite wood products made with formaldehyde-containing adhesives such as particleboard, plywood, and fiberboard.  These adhesives may be used in furniture, cabinets, shelves, doors, and wall and flooring materials.
    • Building and insulation materials such as foam and fiberglass insulation.
    • Hair smoothing and straightening products. 
    • Paper products and permanent-press fabrics (such as clothing, linens, upholstery, and draperies).
    • Combustion byproducts from fuel-burning appliances such as gas stoves,  kerosene space heaters, and wood-burning stoves, and from vehicle exhaust. 
  • Formaldehyde is also present in tobacco smoke and cannabis (marijuana) smoke.
  • During pregnancy, formaldehyde can pass from mother to baby.
Formaldehyde is released into the air from some products and combustion sources, and is present in tobacco and cannabis smoke
People breathe air that contains formaldehyde
How can I reduce my exposure to formaldehyde?
  • Try to avoid bringing products that may release formaldehyde into your home.
  • Choose furniture products that contain little or no formaldehyde, such as those made with solid wood or stainless steel.
  • Look for furniture products with low formaldehyde gas emission labels with the following language:
  • Air out new furniture products made from composite wood that may release formaldehyde, where possible.  At first, leave them in a well-ventilated area to allow any formaldehyde to dissipate.
  • Apply a surface barrier (for example, a formaldehyde-free varnish or latex-based paint) onto furniture, shelves, countertops, cabinets, and laminate flooring that can release formaldehyde.
  • Choose formaldehyde-free insulation materials.
  • Wash new clothes, sheets, and other fabrics that may contain formaldehyde before use.
  • Assure adequate indoor ventilation, and open windows and doors regularly to bring in outdoor air, especially during painting.
  • Use a range hood or exhaust fan when cooking on a gas range or cooktop, and make sure all gas appliances are properly vented to the outside.
  • Maintain low humidity and temperatures indoors.  More formaldehyde is released in hot and damp environments.
  • Keep your fireplace and wood stove in good condition to prevent smoke from getting into your living environment.
  • Assure adequate ventilation inside your vehicle.  Set the ventilation system to allow outside air to enter the vehicle.
  • Do not smoke.  Do not allow children to breathe tobacco or cannabis (marijuana) smoke.
  • Do not idle engines in vehicles and equipment that use gasoline or diesel fuel.
  • Do not use hair smoothing and straightening products that contain or release formaldehyde.
For more information:

General Fact Sheets and Resources

Formaldehyde in Products

Proposition 65

Updated March 2023
Fact Sheet - Formaldehyde

Related Chemical(s)

Related Product or Place

References
Chemical