1. That ‘new home’ smell? It could be toxic for decades.

Have you ever noticed that whether it’s a freshly renovated home, newly painted walls, a brand-new wooden cabinet, or a soft foam mat bought for your child, a pungent smell often lingers in the air? Prolonged exposure to this odor can cause discomfort, watery eyes, and even trigger asthma. That smell is often caused by formaldehyde or other volatile toxic gases.
In November 2008, the Green Living Association and the Delta Electronics Foundation released a report identifying the ten most common problems in indoor renovations in Taiwan. The report highlighted serious energy waste and pointed out that adhesives and solvents commonly used in construction materials often contain harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene. These substances are known to cause cancer and kidney disease, and their toxic emissions can persist for up to 20 years.
Delta Foundation Deputy Executive Director Wen Fan emphasized that while everyone hopes for a safe and comfortable home environment, what appears clean and stylish may hide serious risks. Many people in Taiwan tend to use large amounts of engineered wood panels in their interior design, unaware that the adhesives and solvents in these materials often contain high levels of formaldehyde, benzene, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
 
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