Guest Post: This article was contributed by Mold Free. The views and opinions expressed are those of the contributor and do not necessarily reflect those of Everyday People SG. The article has been reviewed and edited for clarity and editorial standards. 

That distinctive “new home” smell may seem like part and parcel of moving into a freshly renovated flat or condo. But some of that odour can come from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by new building materials, furniture, adhesives and finishes.

One compound homeowners may encounter is formaldehyde.

Newly built or renovated homes can contain multiple potential sources of formaldehyde at the same time, particularly when new carpentry and furnishings have recently been installed. Understanding where it comes from — and what actually helps reduce indoor concentrations — can make those first weeks in a new home more comfortable.

What is formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a colourless chemical compound that can be emitted by certain building and furnishing products.

In the home, potential sources include composite wood products, adhesives and some other building materials. Formaldehyde-based resins are commonly used in the manufacture of composite wood products such as particleboard, medium-density fibreboard (MDF) and plywood.

These materials can gradually release formaldehyde into the surrounding air through a process commonly known as off-gassing.

Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) advises that newly installed materials typically require time for initial off-gassing to diminish, which is one reason adequate ventilation should be factored into renovation and move-in schedules.

Why can formaldehyde levels be higher after renovation?

A newly renovated home can bring numerous new materials into a relatively small indoor space within a short period.

Built-in wardrobes, kitchen cabinetry, feature walls, flooring, furniture, adhesives and other renovation materials may all contribute to indoor emissions.

This doesn’t necessarily mean there is something wrong with the home. The concern is that several potential sources may be present simultaneously, particularly before the home has been thoroughly ventilated.

Composite wood is common in home furnishings

Composite wood is widely used for cabinetry and furniture because it is versatile and generally more affordable than solid timber.

However, some composite wood products and adhesives can emit formaldehyde.

Homeowners concerned about emissions can ask furniture suppliers for formaldehyde emission test reports for composite wood panels. NEA also recommends considering building products certified under schemes such as the Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS) and Singapore Green Building Product (SGBP) Certification Scheme.

Ventilation matters

Keeping a newly renovated home closed for long periods can allow indoor pollutants to accumulate.

This can be particularly relevant when a unit remains shut between the completion of renovation works and the owner’s move-in date.

Where practical, homeowners should allow sufficient time for ventilation after renovation rather than moving into heavily renovated spaces immediately.

What are the possible health effects of formaldehyde exposure?

Short-term exposure to formaldehyde can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, skin and throat in some people.

Long-term exposure to high concentrations has also been associated with asthma and some forms of cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies formaldehyde as carcinogenic to humans.

However, smelling a chemical odour in a newly renovated home does not by itself establish that formaldehyde is present at a harmful concentration. Other VOCs and materials can also produce noticeable smells.

Testing is therefore more useful than relying on smell alone if there is a genuine concern about indoor formaldehyde levels.

What is considered an acceptable formaldehyde level?

The World Health Organization recommends an indoor air quality guideline of 0.1 mg/m³, or approximately 0.08 ppm, averaged over a 30-minute period.

Singapore Standard SS554:2026 recommends the same voluntary limit for certain enclosed air-conditioned premises.

However, it is important to note that SS554:2026 does not apply to residential premises. Homeowners should therefore avoid treating the figure as a statutory residential limit in Singapore.

How can you test for formaldehyde at home?

Low-cost consumer formaldehyde monitors are readily available, but their readings should be treated cautiously.

According to NEA, there is currently limited information about the accuracy and precision of many low-cost formaldehyde sensors. Their performance may also be affected by factors such as temperature, relative humidity, placement and the presence of other contaminants.

For more reliable measurements, NEA recommends using a calibrated formaldehyde meter or engaging a local laboratory accredited by the Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC) to assess indoor formaldehyde levels.

Testing can be particularly useful when homeowners are concerned about persistent chemical odours or want objective information about their indoor air quality.

What can homeowners do to reduce formaldehyde indoors?

The good news is that the most important measure is also one of the simplest: ventilation.

NEA describes ventilation as the most effective way to remove formaldehyde from indoor spaces. Where practical:

  • Keep windows and doors open to allow fresh air into the home.
  • Open windows or doors on opposite sides of the space to encourage cross-ventilation.
  • Use fans to help move indoor air towards the outside.
  • Leave newly installed cupboards, wardrobes and other enclosed carpentry open while ventilating the home.
  • Allow adequate ventilation time after renovation before occupying heavily renovated rooms.
  • When planning future renovations, consider low-formaldehyde or low-emission building products.

NEA notes that the amount of time required for formaldehyde concentrations to fall will differ from home to home, so homeowners should be cautious of universal claims promising that a property will be “formaldehyde-free” within a specific number of days.

What about air purifiers and formaldehyde removal services?

Homeowners will find numerous air cleaners, filters and professional treatments marketed specifically for formaldehyde removal.

These should be assessed carefully.

NEA does not maintain a list of approved air cleaners or formaldehyde removal companies. It also notes that there is currently limited data on the effectiveness of air cleaners in removing VOCs such as formaldehyde.

If testing indicates elevated levels and ventilation or source reduction alone is not sufficient, homeowners may also consider engaging a professional formaldehyde removal service. Before proceeding, ask how the treatment works, what methods are used, and whether its efficacy and safety claims are supported by relevant data.

It is also worth asking whether the treatment produces any by-products. NEA specifically advises against technologies that may generate ozone because of its potentially harmful health effects.

Professional services can complement good indoor-air-quality practices, but they should not replace the fundamentals of source reduction and ventilation.

Choosing materials with lower formaldehyde emissions

Prevention can begin before renovation work starts.

Homeowners can discuss low-formaldehyde materials and ventilation requirements with their interior designer or contractor and include these requirements in renovation contracts where appropriate.

Products certified under the Singapore Green Labelling Scheme or Singapore Green Building Product Certification Scheme are among the options homeowners can consider when selecting lower-emission building materials.

For furniture made with composite wood panels, homeowners can also ask suppliers for formaldehyde emission test reports before purchasing.

Frequently asked questions

Is the “new home smell” always formaldehyde?

No. Newly renovated homes can contain a mixture of VOCs emitted by different materials, paints, adhesives, furnishings and other products. Smell alone cannot reliably determine the concentration of formaldehyde in the air.

Does air-conditioning remove formaldehyde?

Standard air-conditioning should not be treated as a substitute for ventilation. Introducing and circulating outdoor air helps dilute indoor chemical pollutants, while ordinary recirculating air-conditioning primarily cools and recirculates indoor air.

Should I buy a formaldehyde monitor?

A consumer monitor may provide indicative readings, but NEA cautions that there is limited information about the accuracy and precision of low-cost formaldehyde sensors.

If accurate measurements are important, consider a calibrated formaldehyde meter or an SAC-accredited laboratory.

Should I delay moving into a newly renovated home?

Where practical, allowing additional ventilation time before occupying heavily renovated areas can help initial off-gassing diminish.

NEA recommends incorporating adequate ventilation time into renovation schedules and, where formaldehyde-emitting materials have been installed, considering several weeks of post-completion ventilation before occupying heavily renovated areas.

The bottom line

Formaldehyde can be present in newly built or renovated homes because it may be emitted by materials such as composite wood products and adhesives.

Rather than relying on smell or marketing claims, homeowners can focus on measures supported by Singapore’s current guidance: choose lower-emission materials where possible, allow sufficient ventilation after renovation and use appropriate testing when there is a genuine concern about indoor formaldehyde levels.

For most households, the starting point is refreshingly straightforward. Open up the home, get fresh air moving through it, and give newly installed materials time to off-gas.