Glue is often used in decoration, furniture manufacturing, hand-made and other scenes, but many people will smell a pungent odor during use, and even experience discomfort. So the question is: what is this “pungent smell”? Is it formaldehyde, or other harmful substances? Today, we will reveal the truth for you!
1. What is the source of the pungent smell of glue?
During the curing or drying process, glue may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) , which include:
- Formaldehyde : colorless with a pungent odor, it is obviously irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract;
- Benzene substances : such as benzene, toluene, and xylene, which have a strong odor and are harmful to the nervous system;
- Alcohol and ester solvents : commonly found in quick-drying glues, may also cause dizziness and fatigue.
These substances are the main source of the “pungent smell” of glue, and some of them also have potential carcinogenic risks .
2. How terrible is formaldehyde?
Class I carcinogen identified by the World Health Organization . Long-term inhalation can cause a variety of health problems, including but not limited to:
- Respiratory tract irritation : such as cough, chest tightness, sore throat, etc.;
- Nervous system effects : such as headache, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating;
- Allergic skin reactions : such as itching, rash;
- Weakened immune system : Increased susceptibility to infection or chronic illness.
3. How to determine whether the glue contains formaldehyde?
To identify whether the glue is environmentally friendly, focus on the following points:
- Whether there is an environmental certificate : for example, it has passed the EU RoHS, REACH, GB/T 20410 and other environmental standards;
- Ingredients : Regular products should clearly indicate the main ingredients on the packaging or instructions;
- Is there a pungent smell ? Although “odorless” does not mean it is absolutely environmentally friendly, a strong smell should be a warning;
- Whether it comes from formal channels : give priority to well-known brands and reputable manufacturers.
4. How to reduce the pungent smell during the use of glue?
When using glue, it is recommended to take the following measures to protect yourself and your family’s health:
- in a well-ventilated space by opening windows or using exhaust fans;
- Use masks and gloves to reduce inhalation and skin contact;
- Clean tools and construction areas as soon as possible after completion to avoid continued volatilization of harmful gases;
- Try to choose environmentally friendly water-based glue or low-VOC formula glue .
Choose environmentally friendly glue to avoid pungent hazards from the source!
At spc , we focus on developing and supplying environmentally friendly adhesives with
low VOC, no formaldehyde or low formaldehyde , which are widely used in woodworking boards, furniture manufacturing, interior decoration and other fields. Our products have passed many international environmental certifications, are instantly bonded, have no irritating odor, are safe and reliable , and help customers stay away from the trouble of pungent gases and avoid health risks from the source.
