Domingo, JL; Rovira, J; Roig, N; Schuhmacher, M; Nadal, M
Formaldehyde is a carcinogenic substance to humans, being included in the Group 1 by the IARC. In addition, the acute exposure to formaldehyde may cause eye and respiratory tract irritation as well as skin sensitization. The main indoor sources of formaldehyde are, among others, wood-pressed products, insulation materials, paints, household cleaning products, and cigarettes. Although this chemical is a well-known indoor pollutant, data on indoor concentrations of formaldehyde are scarce in some countries, such as Spain. In February 2014, samples of indoor air were collected by using personal air sampling pumps in three locations (bedroom, living room, and outdoor) of 10 randomly selected homes in Catalonia, Spain. Ten more samples were taken in different workplaces (e.g., offices, shops, classrooms, etc.). Mean levels of formaldehyde in air of bedrooms and living rooms were similar (27.3 and 22.5 g/m3, respectively), being also significantly correlated (p < 0.05). Airborne levels of formaldehyde in workplaces were also similar to those found indoors (mean: 22.5 g/m3). On the other hand, air samples collected outdoors showed significantly lower concentrations, ranging from 0.96 to 3.37 g/m3. The mean 24-h inhalation to formaldehyde for a Catalan adult was estimated in 3.94 g/kg day. The results of the human health risk assessment indicated that both non-carcinogenic (Hazard Quotient >1) and cancer (>10−4) risks were above the recommended guidelines. Despite these results are in agreement with those found in other European countries, especial attention should be paid on the indoor exposure to formaldehyde and the occurrence of other volatile organic compounds.