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The Basics of Formaldehyde: What You Need to Know

The Basics of Formaldehyde: What You Need to Know. What is Formaldehyde?. colorless gas with pungent odor occurs naturally in the environment widely used in manufacture of other chemicals, building materials, and household products

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The Basics of Formaldehyde: What You Need to Know

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  1. The Basics of Formaldehyde: What You Need to Know

  2. What is Formaldehyde? • colorless gas with pungent odor • occurs naturally in the environment • widely used in manufacture of other chemicals, building materials, and household products • a volatile organic compound [VOC] that vaporizes and becomes a gas at normal room temperatures

  3. Why Is It a Concern? • increased attention to environmental issues with green buildings and sustainable design • interior spaces containing finish materials that release formaldehyde can have levels greater than that of outdoor air • some occupants can experience temporary discomfort

  4. What Affects Indoor Air Emissions? Four Factors: • source of formaldehyde • air exchange rate • room temperature • room humidity Source: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/largebldgs/i-beam_html/qref.htm We can provide you test results regarding our products! Test protocol is ASTM D5116-97.

  5. Emission vs. Concentration Levels Example using Cigarette smoke: 1 cigarette produces an Emission… it off-gasses. Concentration • Low level – 1 cigarette off-gassing in a giant auditorium with a functioning HVAC system. • High level - 50 people in a crowded, 400 SF smoking room … all smoking cigarettes. Concentration levels can vary in indoor spaces. Depends on room size, ventilation rate, and emissions.

  6. Sources of Formaldehyde In any given space, a variety of indoor products may emit formaldehyde. Such products include, but are not limited to: • composite or pressed wood products, such as doors, casework, and finish carpentry • paints, coatings and other similar finishes • sealants and caulking • adhesives • acoustical and concrete sealants • carpet • some types of resilient flooring • wallcoverings • acoustical ceiling tiles

  7. What Are Recommended Levels? The recommended allowable level of formaldehyde in a space depends upon local requirements. Here are allowable concentration levels in parts per million parts of air [ppm] for a few organizations: • Current Industry Recommended Concentration Levels: • Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA] 0.100 ppm • World Health Organization [WHO] 0.050 ppm • State of Washington/GreenGuard/LEED 0.050 ppm • State of California [Section 01350] 0.027 ppm The state of California Section 01350 is the most rigorous!

  8. What’s Being Done About Formaldehyde? • For years, the Occupational Safety and Health [OSHA] had the only standard dealing with exposure. • A number of states, regulatory agencies and school districts, and the building industry are making efforts to reduce exposure. • The state of California recently added a list of “Chemicals of Concern” to Section 01350 [“Special Environmental Considerations”] • Division 1, General Requirements, CSI format • List of chemicals defined, as well as permissible levels of emission, test methods, and modeling procedures.

  9. How Are Building Materials Tested? A key element in California Section 01350 is a specification for screening building materials based on an emissions testing protocol. It mandates: • products tested by an independent laboratory “in assembly” • for 96 hours after 10 days of conditioning [air-out period] • at the end of the 14-day test period, the emission rate is measured as described in ASTM D5116-97

  10. Reducing Formaldehyde Levels A number of measures can be taken to help reduce indoor levels of formaldehyde emissions. They include: • Maintain proper levels of temperature and humidity. Since elevated temperatures and high relative humidity increase formaldehyde release, it is vital to monitor and control these conditions. • Provide adequate ventilation. Use the following standards: • ASHRAE Standard 62, “Ventilation for Acceptable IAQ” • UBC, Chapter 12, Title 24, “Energy Standards,” Section 121 • Control emissions at the source. Choose products with low formaldehyde emission rates [substitute lower-formaldehyde products for those emitting higher levels].

  11. Choosing Acoustical Ceilings Armstrong has introduced a number of new acoustical ceiling products manufactured to meet Section 01350. Products are in the popular families of: • Ultima • Cirrus • Dune • Cortega • Fissured

  12. Choosing Acoustical Ceilings These newly added, lower formaldehyde products offer the same performance properties important to you, such as: • recyclability/ high recycled content • good acoustical performance • sag resistance • mold and mildew resistance • high light reflectance • design flexibility [sizes, edge detail]

  13. Additional Resources and References • All of the new products are manufactured on the West Coast, and can be reclaimed at the end of their useful life through the Armstrong Ceiling Recycling Program. • Need guide specs, samples, or additional technical assistance? We can help you and your clients achieve your environmental objectives on your projects! • Online support: armstrong.com/environmental

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