New homes in Los Altos tend to have higher formaldehyde than new homes in surrounding cities. Many new homes in Los Altos have more formaldehyde than the Katrina FEMA trailers.
We measured formaldehyde in new unoccupied homes around Santa Clara County. Formaldehyde concentrations were consistently higher in Los Altos. The testing methodology was the same in all homes.
Of homes with more than 100 ppb formaldehyde, nine out of eleven were in Los Altos. Of homes with more than 120 ppb formaldehyde, three out of four were in Los Altos. Over half of the homes tested in Los Altos had more formaldehyde than the 77 ppb average in the Katrina FEMA trailers.
Initially, we could not understand why homes in Los Altos were different from homes in nearby communities. Construction practices and construction materials should be similar throughout the county.
The difference was a green building ordinance passed by the City of Los Altos in late 2007. Beginning in January 2008, all new homes in Los Altos were required meet the criteria for GreenPoint Rated.
To be GreenPoint rated, a home has to meet energy conservation requirements. Those requirements mean that new Los Altos homes are more tightly sealed than homes in other cities.
At the same time, GreenPoint Rated encourages use of engineered wood products in place of traditional lumber. Engineered wood uses less virgin timber, so it is good for the environment. Unfortunately, some engineered wood products emit considerable formaldehyde.
The combination of these two requirements produces homes that emit formaldehyde but lack adequate ventilation to dilute the toxin. The result is elevated formaldehyde inside the home, as we have found in Los Altos.
Build It Green, the private group that provides the GreenPoint Rated system, encourages builders to use materials that are low in formaldehyde. However, GreenPoint Rated does not have specific requirements addressing formaldehyde concentration. Homes with very high formaldehyde can be GreenPoint Rated.
Until the GreenPoint Rated system is revised to require low formaldehyde, homes buyers can test for themselves. A few dollars spent on testing a home can save thousands of dollars in medical expenses. No amount of money compensates for the illness of a family member.
Simple test methods are available for as little as $8 per test. An industrial hygienist can provide a more comprehensive survey for $350.
Photo by Linda Kincaid.
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Comments
The Formaldehyde Council consulted with Larry Newton, an industrial hygienist, to analyze Ms. Kincaid's testing methods. To see that paper, visit www.formaldehydefacts.blogspot.com. When FCI sent a note to Mr. Kincaid about this particular article, he wrote the following:
"It is more of the same. No information given other than readings. Use of Interscan 4160 (non-validated method)grab sample verus longer term sample for valid IAQ sampling. No data provided to show the Interscan 4160 readings are comparable to recognized and validated formaldehyde
methods such as DNPH or Chromotropic Acid. No or scant information provided of test location such as: 1. Furnished or unfurnished units? 2. Materials of construction; 3. Age of units; 4. Fresh air supply operating; 5. HVAC system
operating; 6. Temperature; 7. Humidity; 8. Estimated air exchange rate; 8. Sample location-actual air sample or inside drawers or cabinets; 9. Breathing zone sample; 10. Amount of materials of contruction ...
Continued from Larry Newton:
"11. Doors and windows closed; 12. Outdoor conditions? These are just a few items that helps define the test location and methodology when conducting a valid assessment.
I assume she is doing open houses where she doesn't consider other potential pollutant sources that contribute to questionable results. Here are a few examples:
1. Visitors wearing personal hygiene products; 2. Smokers' contaminated clothing; 3. Combustion sources such as candles and/or sterno heaters for food trays; 4. Air freshners; 5. Perfumed candles; 6. Cleansers; 7. Detergents; 8. Outdoor pollutants brought in by frequent opening and closing of doors; 9. Materials stored in connecting garage; 10. Human breath; etc. To do a valid IAQ test she must eliminate or reduce the impact of these pollutant sources on her test method."
Again, please consult Mr. Newton's study at www.formaldehydefacts.blogspot.com.
"The IAQ Investigator's Guide", published by AIHA, recommends real-time instruments for preliminary IAQ investigations. See Table 4.2 on page 40. If Larry Newton does not have a copy of the Guide, then I can email the relevant pages.
Is it the Formaldehyde Council Inc's & Larry Newton's position that the other potential pollution sources only show up in the Los Altos properties?
It would seem that if one city is consistantly higher than neighboring cities, one should look for what is unique about that one city.
I don't care where the formaldehyde comes from but I'd like to know the concentration so I can make an informed decision about looking at a home or not.
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