The Basics of Formaldehyde: What You Need to Know

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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

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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

Why Is It a Concern?

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Four Factors:

What Affects Indoor Air Emissions?

source of formaldehyde

air exchange rate

room temperature

room humidity

We can provide you test results regarding our products!Test protocol is ASTM D5116-97.

Source: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/largebldgs/i-beam_html/qref.htm

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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.

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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

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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:1. Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA] 0.100 ppm

2. World Health Organization [WHO] 0.050 ppm

3. State of Washington/GreenGuard/LEED 0.050 ppm

4. State of California [Section 01350] 0.027 ppm

The state of California Section 01350 is the most rigorous!

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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”]

1. Division 1, General Requirements, CSI format

2. List of chemicals defined, as well as permissible levels of emission, test methods, and modeling procedures.

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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

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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:

1. ASHRAE Standard 62, “Ventilation for Acceptable IAQ”

2. 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].

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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

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recyclability/ high recycled content

good acoustical performance

sag resistance

mold and mildew resistance

high light reflectance

design flexibility [sizes, edge detail]

Choosing Acoustical Ceilings

These newly added, lower formaldehyde products offer the same performance properties important to you, such as:

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Additional Resources and References

1. 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.

2. Need guide specs, samples, or additional technical assistance? We can help you and your clients achieve your environmental objectives on your projects!

3. Online support: armstrong.com/environmental