Is formaldehyde in laminate flooring a health risk?
Be cautious with new furniture. Formaldehyde off-gasses from pressed wood and finishes. Ventilate rooms.
What's actually in it
Formaldehyde is a colorless gas used in pressed wood products, glues, and fabric treatments. Furniture made from particleboard or MDF (medium-density fiberboard) releases formaldehyde as gas for months to years after manufacture.
Some wrinkle-resistant clothing treatments also use formaldehyde-based resins. Indoor levels are often higher than outdoor levels because of trapped off-gassing.
What the research says
A 2026 study in j food prot found that epub 2025 Effectiveness of Manual and Mechanical Warewashing Methods for Removing Allergen- and Gluten-Containing Foods from Food-Contact Surfaces Used in Retail.
The research at a glance
What to use instead
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