The Consumer Council has raised concerns over the safety and effectiveness of a new type of air purifying products known generally as "Formaldehyde Eliminators".
These products have come to attention of the Council in a recent market survey to study the use of air fresheners.
As informed by the product provider, one of the formaldehyde eliminators is known to contain LPG.
On the label, the product actually instructs users to spray the entire content of the aerosol can for more effective outcome.
The concern is that high concentration of LPG in a room may pose a serious risk of fire.
The Council has forwarded the finding to the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) for any follow-up action deemed necessary. EMSD revealed that they conduct random check on a regular basis so as to assure the safety of aerosol products containing LPG.
Furthermore, these formaldehyde eliminator products, as revealed by the Department of Chemistry of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, may contain compounds of amines or amides.
In theory, these compounds may react with formaldehyde but such a feasibility depends on the contact time and concentration of the active ingredient as well as the formaldehyde present.
Products in aerosol form are not considered to be so effective in the elimination of formaldehyde to improve indoor air quality. On the contrary, these products may further worsen the air quality as invariably they may form or emit VOC and other irritating substances, too.
VOC emission from furniture and other materials is a slow and long process depending on temperature and relative humidity. Consumers should be highly wary of any product which makes claims of being able to instantly "eliminate" VOC and formaldehyde in ambience and furniture in "one-off" application.
Since most of the aerosol products contain LPG as a propellant, which in itself contains VOC, consumers are well advised to reduce the use of such products as a mean to reduce the air quality problem caused by VOC.
The Government has introduced a new regulation for Pollution Control (Volatile Organic Compounds) Regulation to control the emission of VOC. The new regulation imposes in phase maximum limits on the VOC content of architectural paints/coatings, printing inks and six selected consumer products - air fresheners, hairsprays, multi-purpose lubricants, floor wax strippers, insecticides and insect repellents with effect from 1 April 2007.
To get rid of unpleasant odour, the best way is still to keep clean and open the windows for better ventilation.
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