Common use of PPM Clause in Contracts

PPM. Because people differ in their sensitivity to toxic effects, it is difficult to precisely define a concentration of formaldehyde that would be harmless to all people under all circumstances. Levels in the outside air may be considered as the safest and lowest levels that can practicably be achieved in the home. There are no safe levels for carcinogenic effects. The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment has established an acute (94 ug/m3) and chronic (3 ug/m3) level to address the levels at which one might experience adverse non-cancer health effects. Immediate measures include opening windows to increase ventilation and reducing the number of new composite wood products in a home. Where possible, replace composite wood products with products made from solid wood or non-wood materials. Formaldehyde emissions increase with increasing humidity and temperature. Therefore, reducing the temperature and humidity in the home will reduce formaldehyde levels. Where the source of formaldehyde is wood paneling or sub-flooring, these measures may not be adequate. In this case, removal of paneling and sub-flooring may be necessary. Local trade organizations and builder's associations may be helpful in finding a contractor to do this work.