What is the formaldehyde indoor air exposure guideline?

The guideline for formaldehyde indoor air exposure is typically established at 0.1 parts per million (ppm). This level is supported by health agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), as a benchmark for safe exposure to formaldehyde in indoor environments.

Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound (VOC) commonly found in building materials, household products, and cigarette smoke. Prolonged exposure to elevated levels may lead to health issues, including respiratory problems and an increased risk of certain cancers, which underscores the importance of maintaining indoor air quality below this established threshold.

The guideline reflects the balance between allowing for normal indoor occurrences of formaldehyde while protecting public health. Therefore, 0.1 ppm serves as the accepted limit for long-term exposure in order to minimize potential adverse health effects.