In recent years, several alarming cases across the country have shown that indoor formaldehyde levels often exceed safe limits, leading to health issues for residents, miscarriages in pregnant women, and even serious illnesses like blood disorders. While many of these cases were resolved through legal channels, the damage caused by these harmful pollutants—threatening both family health and life safety—remains a significant concern.
**Healthy Consumption, Green Home**
Co-organizers:
Chengdu Consumers Association
China Interior Decoration Association
Green Home Environmental Technology Working Committee
Chengdu Green Home Industry Association (funded)
**Classic Cases**
**Case 1: The First Case of Indoor Formaldehyde Pollution**
In 1998, after moving into a newly renovated home, Mr. Chen began experiencing health problems and was later diagnosed with laryngeal papilloma. Medical tests revealed that the condition was caused by high levels of formaldehyde released from the renovation materials. The formaldehyde concentration was found to be 25 times higher than the national standard. Mr. Chen filed a lawsuit against the decoration company. In December 2001, the Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People’s Court ruled in his favor, ordering the company to compensate him for medical expenses, inspection costs, removal fees, and rent, totaling 89,000 yuan, and to remove the polluted materials within 10 days. This case marked the first legal precedent for indoor air pollution caused by construction materials.
**Case 2: Furniture Pollution Incident**
On September 3, 2001, Teacher Yang from a Beijing university sued a wooden furniture factory after suffering from health issues following the installation of new bedroom furniture. Within a month of use, the entire family felt unwell. Testing by the China Indoor Decoration Association found that the formaldehyde levels in the room were more than six times the national standard. After failed negotiations, the court mediated the dispute, and the furniture company agreed to return the goods and pay a total of 7,000 yuan in compensation.
**Case 3: A Mother and Child Affected by Blood Disease**
In January 2002, Li Mou moved into a newly renovated house. After three months, both Li and his mother were diagnosed with aplastic anemia. Tests showed that the formaldehyde level was 12.6 times above the standard, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were 3.3 times over the limit. Li took the decoration company to court, and after a nine-month trial, the Xuanwu District Court in Nanjing ruled in his favor, awarding him 590,065 yuan in compensation.
**Key Point: Other Harmful Substances Should Not Be Ignored**
These cases clearly show that formaldehyde is not the only dangerous pollutant in indoor environments. Benzene, ammonia, toluene, xylene, and TVOC (total volatile organic compounds) are also major threats. Experts warn that while efforts are being made to reduce formaldehyde emissions, other harmful substances may increase as a result. Standards and supervision in this area are still developing, making it essential for consumers to remain vigilant.
**Testing Before Moving In Is Crucial**
Why wait until problems arise? An industry regulation introduced in September 2013 requires merchants to provide indoor environmental testing services upon request, including tests for formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia, toluene, xylene, and TVOC. These results must meet GB50325 standards and be verified by the customer during the acceptance process.
**Look for Certifications When Purchasing**
Consumers should look for products with the “Ten-Ring Certification,†which includes TVOC testing. The “Green Plate Purchasing Regulations†set strict standards for wood-based panels, listing benzene, toluene, xylene, and TVOC as key indicators. The Green Home Committee authorizes companies that meet these standards, helping consumers make safer choices.
By taking proactive steps, such as testing and choosing certified products, we can protect our homes and loved ones from the dangers of indoor pollution.
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