2026 Regulations Alert: What Singapore Homeowners Need to Know About Formaldehyde in Home

What Singapore Homeowners Know About Formaldehyde

Indoor air quality is a growing concern in modern homes, especially with the increasing use of synthetic materials in building products. One chemical at the heart of this concern is formaldehyde, a volatile organic compound (VOC) commonly used in wood-based products. In response to rising health risks and global trends, Singapore is set to introduce stricter regulations on formaldehyde emissions in doors and other wood products by 2026. This blog aims to inform homeowners and renovators about the new regulations, the risks of formaldehyde exposure, and how to remove formaldehyde potential harm in their homes.

What is Formaldehyde and Where Is It Found?

Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling gas widely used in the production of resins and adhesives. These resins are found in many wood-based products such as plywood, particleboard, and medium-density fibreboard (MDF), materials often used in doors, cabinets, and furniture. The chemical is also used as a preservative in paints and coatings to prevent bacterial and fungal growth​

Singapore’s New Regulation

Recognizing the health hazards, Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) has introduced stringent regulations regarding formaldehyde in indoor products. Starting in 2026, all indoor paints, doors, and similar products must adhere to strict limits on formaldehyde content, which cannot exceed 0.01% by weight. This rule aims to significantly reduce formaldehyde emissions in homes and ensure safer indoor environments for Singaporeans. In response, many door manufacturers are adopting the E0 grade standard, which ensures extremely low or non-detectable formaldehyde emissions.

How to Know High Formaldehyde Levels Singapore Home

Sensory Indicators

• Strong, Pungent Odor: A noticeable chemical scent, often reminiscent of nail polish remover or a new car, may be detected, especially in recently renovated or furnished areas.
• Irritation of the Eyes, Nose, and Throat: Residents might experience burning sensations or watery eyes, along with a scratchy throat or persistent cough, particularly after spending long periods indoors.

Physical Symptoms

• Headaches and Dizziness: These symptoms can be triggered or aggravated by exposure to formaldehyde, especially in sensitive individuals.
• Skin Rashes or Allergic Reactions: Direct contact with formaldehyde or materials that release it can lead to skin irritation or dermatitis.
• Respiratory Issues: Symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and worsening asthma may manifest, particularly in those with existing respiratory conditions.

How can Formaldehyde Affect Health

Formaldehyde Exposure: Short-Term and Long-Term Health Risks

Short-Term Exposure Risks:

Short-term exposure to elevated levels of formaldehyde can cause a range of immediate health effects, including:

• Respiratory Irritation: Breathing in formaldehyde can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs. This can lead to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing, particularly in sensitive individuals like children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma.
• Skin and Eye Irritation: Direct contact with formaldehyde or exposure to formaldehyde gas can cause skin rashes, itching, and redness. Eye irritation, including tearing and burning sensations, is also common.

Long-Term Exposure Risks:

Long-term exposure to formaldehyde is far more concerning, as it has been linked to more serious health conditions:

• Chronic respiratory issues: Extended exposure may heighten the likelihood of developing chronic respiratory conditions, such as bronchitis.
• Neurological effects: Research indicates possible connections between long-term exposure and neurological symptoms, including headaches and memory issues.
• Cancer risk: The International Agency for Research on Cancer categorizes formaldehyde as a human carcinogen, with evidence associating it with a greater risk of nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia.

How to Minimize Formaldehyde Exposure in Your Home

Given the potential health risks, minimizing formaldehyde exposure in the home is essential, particularly for those undertaking renovation projects or purchasing new furniture and building materials. Here are some practical ways to reduce formaldehyde levels in your living spaces:

1. Choose Certified Products: When shopping for doors, always opt for those that carry certification for low formaldehyde emissions. Look for Green labels such as E0, which guarantee that the product meets international standards for safe indoor air quality.
2. Ensure Proper Ventilation: After any renovation or installation of new furniture, it’s crucial to ensure that your home is well-ventilated. Formaldehyde levels tend to be highest immediately after installation, as off-gassing occurs more rapidly during this period. Opening windows and using fans can help disperse the gas and improve indoor air quality.
3. Use Air Purifiers with Formaldehyde Filters: Air purifiers equipped with formaldehyde-specific filters can effectively remove the chemical from indoor air. Look for purifiers that feature activated carbon filters, as these are particularly good at absorbing VOCs like formaldehyde.
4. Avoid High-Formaldehyde Products: Many low-cost, composite wood products (such as particleboard and MDF) have higher formaldehyde emissions. Avoid these materials or limit their use in enclosed spaces like bedrooms and living rooms, where people spend the most time.
5. Seal Exposed Wood Surfaces: If you already have furniture or building materials that contain formaldehyde, sealing the surfaces can reduce emissions. Products like paints, varnishes, and sealants designed for this purpose create a barrier, preventing formaldehyde from escaping into the air.
6. Houseplants: Some plants, such as spider plants and Boston ferns, are recognized for their ability to absorb formaldehyde, although their effectiveness may be somewhat limited.

Our Commitment to Safe Doors

At Doorvisual, we understand the importance of providing safe, high-quality products to our customers. That’s why we ensure that all of our doors comply with Singapore’s latest formaldehyde emission regulations. Whether you are renovating your home or building from scratch, you can trust that our products will not compromise the air quality in your living space. We offer a wide range of E0 certified doors that meet the highest international safety standards, keeping your family safe from harmful chemicals.

A Healthier Home for a Healthier Future

As Singapore tightens its formaldehyde regulations in the coming years, awareness of the risks associated with this chemical is more important than ever. The 2026 guidelines will push manufacturers toward producing safer, lower-emission products, which is a positive step for both public health and environmental sustainability. By taking proactive measures, such as selecting low-formaldehyde products and maintaining proper ventilation, homeowners can create safer, healthier living environments for themselves and their families.