Formaldehyde in Building Materials Explained — Choose Healthier, Low-Emission Wood Panels

What Is Formaldehyde? Why It Matters When Choosing Wood Materials

What Is Formaldehyde and Where Does It Come From in the Home?

Formaldehyde is one of the most common indoor air pollutants. It is a colorless gas with a strong, irritating odor that affects the eyes, nose, and skin.
More than 3,000 types of building materials may contain formaldehyde — including particleboard, plywood, veneer panels, laminated timber, and wooden flooring — making them major sources of indoor formaldehyde emissions.

How Long Does Formaldehyde Release Last in Building Materials?

Because formaldehyde has a very low boiling point (–19°C), it easily volatilizes at normal indoor temperatures.
As a result, formaldehyde continues to release from building and furnishing materials for 3 to 15 years, gradually polluting indoor air over time.

Is Formaldehyde Harmful to Health?

Yes. Formaldehyde has been classified as a carcinogenic substance by the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration (EPA).
Long-term exposure can irritate mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, and throat, causing inflammation, ulceration, and in severe cases, nasopharyngeal cancer.
Chronic inhalation may also damage the liver, lungs, and kidneys.
For infants and pregnant women, the effects are even more serious — potentially causing fetal growth retardation, developmental defects, or miscarriage.

Are Formaldehyde Emission Standards the Same Worldwide?

How Does Tjipseng's Carbonized Plywood Perform?
Formaldehyde emission standards vary across regions. For example, Taiwan’s F3 grade corresponds to Europe’s E1 standard (see comparison table below).
All Tjipseng Carbonized Plywood products have passed SGS certification, showing emission levels far below Taiwan’s F1 standard, and have also obtained U.S. EPA NAF (No-Added Formaldehyde) exemption — making them among the few near-zero-formaldehyde wood materials available in Taiwan.

Why Can Jisen Carbonized Panels Achieve Near-Zero Formaldehyde Emissions?

Even Absorb VOCs (TVOC)?
Tjipseng's carbonized series achieves ultra-low emissions thanks to our proprietary adhesive technology and high-temperature carbonization process.
During carbonization, high heat accelerates the release of residual formaldehyde, ensuring the product is virtually free of emissions.
At the same time, the transformation of wood cellulose into crystalline carbon structures creates numerous micro-pores, which act like natural filters — effectively absorbing formaldehyde and total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) as proven by SGS laboratory tests.

How to Manage Formaldehyde from Paints and Adhesives During Installation?

While paints and strong adhesives mainly contain toluene, a highly volatile compound that dissipates within 10–30 days with good ventilation,
the formaldehyde from wood adhesives in panels is the primary long-term indoor pollutant.
Therefore, choosing low-emission or no-added-formaldehyde wood materials is the most effective way to ensure a healthier, safer, and cleaner indoor environment.