Based on international research, RIVM has proposed lower advisory values for the chemical formaldehyde in indoor and outdoor air. According to RIVM, these advisory values protect people against possible health effects from inhalation. It is up to the ministries concerned to set new standards based on the advisory values. No up-to-date figures are available on formaldehyde levels in homes. RIVM is therefore currently unable to properly compare the advisory values with the actual situation.
The standards set by the government are intended to prevent adverse health effects caused by inhaling formaldehyde. The standard for indoor air applies to spaces intended for human occupancy within buildings. The standard for outdoor air is used in permits to determine how much formaldehyde industrial companies may emit.
The existing standards are more than forty years old. Since then, more has become known about the health effects of formaldehyde. International organisations have also derived new health-based values based on extensive research.
Proposed new advisory values
In particular, the 2024 assessment by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) was conducted very thoroughly. RIVM is using this assessment as the basis for its proposal for new advisory values.
For long-term exposure, RIVM recommends an average value of 7 micrograms per cubic metre. This average value would apply to both outdoor and indoor air and, according to RIVM, provides sufficient protection against possible health effects.
If formaldehyde levels in indoor air are temporarily much higher, an additional advisory value applies. In that case, RIVM recommends that indoor levels should not exceed 20 micrograms of formaldehyde per cubic metre. This advisory value is much lower than the existing indoor air standard of 120 micrograms per cubic metre.
Formaldehyde is a Substance of Very High Concern
Formaldehyde is a colourless gas with a pungent odour. Inhaling formaldehyde can irritate the eyes, nose or throat. This is often the first effect to occur. Long-term exposure can cause cancer, for example in the nasopharynx.
Homes contain many sources from which the substance can be continuously released, such as fibreboard in wooden furniture, floors and wall panels, household products such as adhesives, textiles, carpets, paints and coatings, as well as insulation materials. These sources result in long-term exposure to formaldehyde. Stoves, candles, incense, tobacco and e-cigarettes cause short-term emissions in the home. Regular ventilation is important to keep indoor air healthy.
Formaldehyde is a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC). The government aims to keep SVHCs out of the living environment. Companies are required to minimise their emissions of SVHCs. In addition, a European restriction under REACH legislation has applied since 6 August 2026, setting limits on formaldehyde emissions from articles. This may reduce exposure to formaldehyde in the home.
New measurements of formaldehyde in homes needed
In this report, RIVM provides advice on the health-based values. There are no up-to-date Dutch data on the actual levels of formaldehyde in indoor air under normal conditions. RIVM therefore recommends investigating this again.
Ministries set new standards
It is up to central government to set new standards based on these advisory values. The feasibility of the standard may also play a role. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW) decides what the standard for outdoor air will be. The Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) does so for indoor air.
RIVM conducted this study on behalf of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management.