Formaldehyde Testing Services

Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling chemical widely used in building materials, household products, furniture, and various industrial applications. It can off-gas from pressed-wood products, insulation, fabrics, and even certain personal care products. Indoor concentrations are often higher than outdoor levels, especially in newer or recently renovated buildings where materials are still emitting volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

“Exposure to elevated levels of formaldehyde can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, respiratory symptoms, and may exacerbate asthma,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Long-term exposure has also been associated with certain cancers. Because symptoms can be easily mistaken for allergies or common illnesses, people often overlook indoor air quality as the source.”

Common sources of indoor formaldehyde include:

• Pressed-wood products such as particleboard, plywood, and fiberboard
• Furniture and cabinetry
• Carpets, adhesives, paints, and varnishes
• Certain textiles and permanent-press fabrics
• Combustion sources such as gas stoves, fireplaces, and tobacco smoke

Schools and workplaces may also face risks due to the presence of various building materials, new furniture installations, science laboratories, and art classrooms that use adhesives and chemicals capable of releasing formaldehyde.

EMSL Analytical encourages proactive testing, especially when occupants experience persistent irritation or when new materials have recently been introduced into a building. Their laboratories, located across North America, provide advanced formaldehyde analysis using industry-recognized methods, helping property owners, facility managers, and environmental professionals make informed decisions to improve air quality. EMSL has even sponsored an educational video about formaldehyde in the indoor environment that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/aiLI3SGjiws 

For more information about formaldehyde testing or other indoor environmental testing resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com.

 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.