Formaldehyde
A known human carcinogen baked into composite wood, insulation, and adhesives.
Toxic Chemical Databases
Where this family lands across the seven independent toxicology authorities we screen against.
Chemical Type
Reactive Aldehyde / Confirmed Human Carcinogen
Chemical Description
Formaldehyde is the smallest aldehyde — a tiny, water-soluble molecule that's also the most important industrial cross-linker in residential construction. Urea-formaldehyde, phenol-formaldehyde, and melamine-formaldehyde resins glue together MDF, particleboard, plywood, OSB, and engineered hardwood. It also shows up in pre-finish coatings, mineral-wool binders, and "permanent press" textiles. IARC has classified formaldehyde as a Group 1 (confirmed human) carcinogen for nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia. Beyond cancer, sub-ppm indoor exposure triggers eye and respiratory irritation, asthma exacerbation, and odor complaints. The molecule slowly hydrolyzes out of its resin matrix for years after installation, with off-gassing accelerated by heat and humidity. EBH specifies CARB Phase 2, NAF (no-added-formaldehyde), or ULEF wood products throughout every project.
Chemical Structure
Molecular schematic for Formaldehyde — formula and structural features shown below.
Biological Activity
Severity scores summarize hazard endpoints from IARC, NTP, EPA IRIS, ATSDR, and NIOSH on a 0–10 scale. Mirrors the system-level output of our SDS Toxic Chemical Screener.
Chemical Analogs and Brand Names
- Formaldehyde — CAS 50-00-0
- Paraformaldehyde — CAS 30525-89-4
- Urea-formaldehyde resin — CAS 9011-05-6
- Phenol-formaldehyde resin — CAS 9003-35-4
- Melamine-formaldehyde resin — CAS 9003-08-1
- C
Top Health Consequences
- Nasopharyngeal cancer (IARC Group 1) and myeloid leukemia
- New-onset asthma and asthma exacerbation in occupants
- Chronic eye, nose, and throat irritation at sub-ppm levels
- Skin sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis
- Cognitive and headache symptoms in chronically exposed occupants
Pathways of Exposure
- Inhalation of off-gassed resin from MDF, particleboard, plywood, and engineered wood
- Off-gassing from new mineral-wool batt insulation with phenolic binders
- Combustion byproducts from gas stoves and unvented heaters
- Dermal absorption from "permanent-press" or wrinkle-free textiles
Substances in this Family
Each substance below has its own profile page with its own database flags, biological-activity scores, and exposure pathways — they are NOT interchangeable.
Building Materials with Formaldehyde
Listed alphabetically. These are the product categories where this chemistry most often shows up — not an exhaustive list.
Cabinetry & Built-In Casework
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Fiberglass & Mineral Wool Insulation Binders
Interior Doors
Mattresses & Upholstery Treatments
MDF, Particleboard, & Strandboard
Plywood (UF-bonded)
Pre-Finished Trim & Molding
Sealants & Adhesives
Wallpaper & Decorative Laminates