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Indoor pollution damages children's health
Indoor environmental pollution poses serious threats to children's health, including inducing blood diseases, increasing asthma rates, causing congenital abnormalities in newborns, and significantly reducing children's intelligence. Recent findings from the Indoor Environmental Testing and Control Center of the Zhengzhou Environmental Protection Industry Association highlight the alarming levels of indoor air contamination, especially in children’s rooms.
In late June, the center conducted on-site air quality tests in several homes, focusing particularly on children’s bedrooms. The results were shocking: 10 well-decorated rooms had formaldehyde and benzene levels that exceeded safety standards. The main sources of pollution were furniture, wall coverings, and decorative materials.
One test site involved a home with wallpaper on the walls, a composite floor, and an MDF piano frame emitting a strong odor. The formaldehyde level measured 0.412 mg/m³—3.1 times the standard—and benzene reached 0.223 mg/m³, which is just over the limit. Experts noted that some companies use low-cost large-core boards under composite floors, which release high amounts of free formaldehyde.
While many wallpapers today are made from imported base paper or natural fibers with low pollution, the adhesive used to stick them to the walls can be harmful. Some coatings contain PVC, which may release chlorine gas when exposed to high temperatures.
MDF (medium-density fiberboard) is commonly used in children’s rooms but contains high levels of formaldehyde due to its binding agents. It is recommended to use solid wood furniture instead.
Another tested room featured full-wall wallpaper, a plasterboard ceiling, blockboard furniture, and an MDF bed. Formaldehyde levels here reached 0.441 mg/m³—3.4 times the standard—while benzene was at 0.211 mg/m³, slightly above the limit. The ceiling material, gypsum board, and blockboard both contribute to formaldehyde emissions.
Exposure to excessive benzene can lead to dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and even severe health issues like coma, liver and kidney failure, and blood disorders. Similarly, cloth toys and sofas often contain high levels of formaldehyde, so it's best to choose products from reputable manufacturers rather than cheap alternatives with strong odors.
Experts emphasize that more refined decoration often means more severe pollution. The center’s director stated that among the 10 tested rooms, the pollution was relatively light, as they were simply renovated. However, highly decorated spaces tend to have much worse air quality, mainly due to new furniture, wallpaper, and fine decoration.
From 2006 to now, 26 cases of leukemia linked to renovation-related pollution have been reported, with 22 of them being children aged 2 to 8. While the exact causes of leukemia are still debated, chemical contamination is one of the leading factors.
Ammonia, another dangerous pollutant, comes from building materials such as bricks, tiles, cement, and stone. It has a known carcinogenic effect and can directly damage body cells, potentially leading to cancer.
To reduce risks, experts recommend using solid wood or electronic plug-in board furniture, keeping furniture volume below 50% of the room to allow for better ventilation. Avoid solvent-based paints and wallpapers; opt for paint instead. Replace laminate flooring with solid wood or bamboo, and if using hard floor tiles, add a wool carpet that should be replaced regularly.
Curtains in children’s rooms should be made of pure cotton to improve breathability. When decorating a child’s room, minimize construction processes and prioritize good lighting and airflow.
Light pollution can also affect indoor air quality. Parents are increasingly aware of testing before moving in, but prevention starts with choosing non-polluting materials. Tests are most accurate during colder months when windows are closed less, and temperatures are lower, which reduces pollution concentration.
The center advises that if indoor levels are within two times the standard, it’s generally safe for adults, elderly, and non-children to stay, provided there is at least 3–5 hours of daily ventilation. After one year, pollution levels usually drop closer to normal.
If levels exceed the standard by more than two times, it’s best to take precautions. And if the levels are five times higher, it’s not advisable to live in the space at all.