Members of Parliament inquired about the benzene protection measures in place.
MP Edward Chia ( PAP-Holland-Bukit Timah ), who spoke to the government, questioned whether more stringent import laws or stringent import controls would be put in place.  ,
MP Cheryl Chan ( PAP-East Coast ) questioned whether formaldehyde levels were monitored at businesses that sell building products and whether renovation contractors will be required to provide documentation that indoor formaldehyde concentrations are below a certain threshold at the completion of renovations.  ,
The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment ( MSE ) has been tracking the problem with indoor air quality, according to Mr. Baey.  ,
He claimed that NEA has received 19 phenol amounts in response to construction projects completed since 2020.  ,
According to Mr. Baey,” the furniture industry has made an effort to reduce formaldehyde pollution,” adding that the Singapore Business Federation, Singapore Furniture Industries Council, and Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC ) jointly developed and launched a set of market guidelines and tips to improve indoor air quality last month.  ,
These include suggestions for indoor-use materials and furnishings with formaldehyde emissions limits.
Formaldehyde in internal colors will be regulated in Singapore. During Committee of Supply discussions this year, it was announced that from January 1, 2026, formaldehyde-containing inside colors will not be sold here.  ,
According to Mr. Baey, formaldehyde in color will be regulated as a harmful chemical under the Environmental Protection and Management Act.  ,
Firms found importing, manufacturing, or possessing for the purpose of selling or offering for sale in Singapore inside colors with formaldehyde amounts greater than 0.01 per share of the paint’s weight may face fines of up to S$ 50, 000 or jail time of up to S$ two, or both.  ,
According to Mr. Baey, Mr. Baey responded to MP Rachel Ong’s ( PAP-West Coast ) inquiry regarding the timing of the ban by striking a balance between” shielding public health” and allowing the industry to adapt to the new requirements based on its feedback.  ,
” In the meantime, interior colors with no additional formaldehyde are now accessible in the Singapore marketplace”, he added.  ,
He urged consumers to use items that have been certified by the Singapore Environment Council or the Singapore Green Building Product  Certification Scheme administered by the SGBC.  ,
Wood products bearing the Singapore Green Label , may include benzene levels certified to be reduced or non-detectable, while internal paints certified with the brand will have no formaldehyde.  ,
By starting doors and windows, Mr. Baey advised occupants of enclosed spaces to use formaldehyde-containing products to improve air and advertise air circulation.  ,
He also advised them to utilize ventilation and fanciers to lower the benzene concentration in the areas.
Problems TO CASE ,
In the first half of this year, MP Melvin Yong ( PAP-Radin Mas ), who is also the president of the , Consumers Association of Singapore ( CASE), reported that the group received 10 complaints about strong chemical odours from new furniture, including mattresses, sofas, and wardrobes.  ,
After being exposed to what is thought to be formaldehyde, some customers reported experiencing symptoms like headaches, drowsiness, and breathing, according to Mr. Yong.  ,
He inquired if MSE did consider regulating benzene levels in furniture in a manner similar to the proposed paint regulation.  ,
Mr. Baey stated in response to his earlier statement that the government was considering whether the rules may also apply to items like adhesives and composite wood products.
Consumers or those carrying out renovation projects should talk with the contractors about requiring that the products used meet these standards, and he also advised them to specify products that do n’t contain ( formaldehyde ) if they are personally more concerned about such content.