Formaldehyde Testing

Formaldehyde is an important chemical used widely by industry to manufacture building materials and numerous household products. It is one of the large family of chemical compounds called volatile organic compounds or "VOCs".

Formaldehyde can be found in many products. It is used as a part of:

• the glue or adhesive in pressed wood products (particleboard, hardwood plywood, and medium density fiberboard (MDF));
  
  
• preservatives in some paints, coatings, and cosmetics;
  
  
• the finish used to coat paper products; and
  
  
• certain insulation materials (urea-formaldehyde foam and fiberglass insulation).

In homes, the most significant sources of formaldehyde are likely to be pressed wood products made using adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins. Pressed wood products made for indoor use include: particleboard (used as sub-flooring and shelving and in cabinetry and furniture); hardwood plywood paneling (used for decorative wall covering and used in cabinets and furniture); and medium density fiberboard (used for drawer fronts, cabinets, and furniture tops).

Formaldehyde testing and resources:

• NTA is accredited by IAS under ISO 17025 for testing the formaldehyde emission rates of wood products in accordance with ASTM E1333 and D6007.
• NTA is approved by the California Air and resource board as a thrid party administrator. (CARB ATCM)
• NTA certifies manufacturers for the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (HUD regulations) 3280.308.
• Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act
• California Air Resources Board