Formaldehyde, Closer to Home Than You Think
Last updated: 13 Oct 2026
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That "new" smell may not be as harmless as you think
Ever opened a new cabinet and caught a sharp, chemical smell? Many people assume it's just the smell of something new. In fact, it may be a sign of formaldehyde, a chemical hidden in far more household materials than you'd expect, especially in built-ins and board furniture made from MDF or HMR.
Formaldehyde is often used in the glues that bond layers of wood together for strength. Over time, it escapes into the air, especially when indoor temperatures are high, as they so often are in Thailand. That is what we end up breathing in without realising it.
What is formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound (VOC) widely used in the wood and adhesives industries, particularly in the glues that bind furniture boards. It escapes into the air, and exposure can cause stinging eyes, nasal irritation, itchy skin or headaches. Long-term overexposure can affect the respiratory system, and the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies it as a carcinogen. The worrying part is that formaldehyde is colourless, so we can't tell how much of it is around us.
E-grades you should know before choosing materials
Europe and Japan set limits on formaldehyde emissions from wood materials to protect users; these are known as the European Formaldehyde Emission Standards. We've put them into a table, which you can see here.
At fync, we use only premium ENF-grade, low-VOC plywood, so every built-in piece we make is safe for long-term health, for children and for pets.
A good home starts with good air
A healthy home isn't about the design or the price of the furniture; it's about the air you breathe every day. Choosing low-formaldehyde materials is an investment in your whole family's quality of life. With safe materials there's no "new" smell after installation, the air stays clean and fresh, and you can feel at ease for years.
Beyond choosing good materials, letting in daylight, ventilating well and keeping plants indoors all help air circulate and reduce lingering pollutants.
Written and edited by: เจ้าแม่ชุน
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