What might the smell be telling you?
Health Canada notes that paint, glues, composite wood and flooring can emit volatile substances. Composite-wood adhesives can contain formaldehyde. Product details therefore matter, but every noticeable odour should not be treated as a confirmed formaldehyde exceedance.
List what was introduced into each room and when. Keep existing labels or supplier information. Do not cut or dismantle a cabinet simply to investigate its materials.
What practical measures can be considered?
The US EPA identifies some pressed-wood products as formaldehyde sources and recommends ventilation when new sources are introduced. HealthyWA also highlights ventilation and reducing indoor pollutant sources. Use ventilation when outdoor conditions permit and follow product care instructions.
Keep source reduction, cleaning, odour management and proposed treatment separate in the discussion. A scented product changes what you smell; it does not provide a formaldehyde measurement. Ask what the work addresses and what evidence is needed afterwards.
How should you use an existing report?
Keep the full report: substance measured, units, sampling date, room and stated conditions. A concentration needs those details to be meaningful. When comparing reports, note any changes to ventilation, materials or the room between measurements.
If a measurement or follow-up report is part of your requirement, state it before agreeing treatment. A cleaning quote and an indoor-air report are different documents; a promise of less smell does not replace a requested result.
What should you send with a request?
Share the suburb, affected rooms, recent furniture or renovation, known dates and any report. Say whether the concern is a continuing smell, a reported result or both. This helps us discuss the assessment and work without guessing from a room photo.
Questions about this problem
Does no smell mean there is no formaldehyde?
An odour observation is not a concentration measurement. Use product information and any required indoor-air assessment rather than treating smell as a test result.
Is there one waiting period for every new room?
Materials, conditions and assessment purposes differ. A calendar period alone does not establish an indoor-air result. Clarify the evidence needed for your decision.
Can I enquire before I have a report?
Yes. Describe the room, recent furniture or work and your concern. Share an existing report if you have one; otherwise, tell us what you have observed so we can discuss the next step.
Sources and further reading
What to take from this guide
New-furniture odour is a reason to check materials and room conditions, not a result by itself. Keep source information and reports together, review the FAQ questions and agree a clear assessment and reduction scope before booking.