Be careful when disposing of unneeded chemicals. Many localities have household hazardous material disposal sites to drop off old paints, solvents, pesticides, and other chemicals. A number of materials used in constructing, furnishing, and insulating a home contribute small, but sometimes noticeable amounts of dusts or irritating vapors. Formaldehyde can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, and several federal agencies list it as a cancer-causing agent. Some people can become sensitized to formaldehyde and experience severe skin or respiratory symptoms.
Federal standards require formaldehyde emission testing and labeling.
Look for this labeling when you buy wood products. Insulation Insulation materials can affect indoor air quality. UFFI is very rarely used today. This type of insulation resulted in significant levels of formaldehyde in some homes. Formaldehyde vapors from this source decrease with time, but sensitized people may react to low levels or decomposed UFFI dust.