Formaldehyde, also known as methanal, is a gas harmful to health that is used in numerous products because of its versatility, despite its toxic properties. It is colourless and has a pungent smell.

Formaldehyde is widespread. In buildings, it usually arises from incomplete combustion processes, for example in heating systems, or from specific emission sources introduced into the building. These include wood products and wood-based materials, melamine resins, paints, varnishes, adhesives, expanding foam, wallpaper, leather, textiles and carpets.

If symptoms occur mainly in particular rooms, an elevated formaldehyde concentration in indoor air is a possible cause. Measuring the current concentration helps assess the health risk and determine whether remediation is needed.

We investigate formaldehyde contamination exclusively using modern, quality-tested measuring equipment designed to provide prompt and reliable results.

How toxic is formaldehyde?

In brief, formaldehyde is highly toxic.

Airborne concentrations of substances such as formaldehyde are expressed in ppm, meaning parts per million. One ppm corresponds to 1.2 milligrams per cubic metre.

Its acidic, pungent smell can be perceived between 0.125 and 0.5 ppm. However, formaldehyde can irritate the eyes at concentrations as low as 0.01 ppm, below the odour threshold. Nasal irritation can occur from 0.08 ppm and throat irritation from 0.5 ppm.