Formaldehyde use in furniture, adhesives under NEA review

Agency actively studying’ issue, including international best practices: Baey Yam Keng

- Zhaki Abdullah

The authorities are reviewing the use of formaldehyde in products such as furniture and adhesives, even as five MPs raised parliamentary questions calling for greater action on the issue.

This follows recent media reports of people here falling ill due to high formaldehyde levels in their furnishings, with CNA reporting in July that one family paid $1,000 for treatments to their wooden cabinets and shelves after their young children repeatedly fell sick due to high levels of the chemical.

Mr Melvin Yong (Radin Mas) asked how many complaints the National Environment Agency (NEA) had received over the past five years about high levels of formaldehyde in new furniture, while Dr Wan Rizal (Jalan Besar GRC) inquired about plans to review and update existing regulations on indoor air quality and furniture safety standards.

Often found in resins and glues used in wooden furniture - as well as in composite wood products such as plywood and fibreboard formaldehyde can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, with long-term exposure linked to certain cancers.