indoor air quality

What Is Formaldehyde Used for in Home Renovations?

Formaldehyde is a silent fixture in most home renovation projects. It lingers where you least expect it — in the adhesive that holds your cabinetry together, in the finish that gives your flooring its polished sheen, and in the insulation that keeps your home temperature regulated. This colorless, pungent gas is mainly used as a binding agent in pressed wood products, such as MDF (medium-density fiberboard), plywood, and particleboard, all of which are common materials in cabinetry and furniture construction. Formaldehyde also hides in paints, sealants, and varnishes, which give surfaces their final, smooth finish after a renovation.