How to Protect Your Family from the Dangers of Formaldehyde

[Sefie]

I have been talking about the dangers that Formaldehyde can pose to our families in other forums, since this highly toxic chemical can be found in so many products, even clothes. I thought it'd b good to share this article with all you:

Written by Stacy K, Contributing Writer

Formaldehyde is one of the most common toxic substances found in indoor air.

It was only recently that I discovered just how pervasive formaldehyde is. No longer limited to mortuaries and medical laboratories (where it is used as a preservative), formaldehyde is now in many personal care products, furniture, and building supplies.

Formaldehyde is listed as a a probable human carcinogen (cancer causing agent) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

In 2011, the National Toxicology Program named formaldehyde as a known human carcinogen in their 12th Report on Carcinogens.

Since we spend so much time inside, it is important for us to learn how to reduce or eliminate this dangerous chemical from our homes.


What is Formaldehyde and Why Should I Care?
Formaldehyde is a toxic gas that is used to manufacture a myriad of products. One of the most bothersome aspects of formaldehyde is that it “off-gases” into the air, which means we inhale it.Overexposure to formaldehyde can lead to many health issues, including cancer.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency:

“Formaldehyde a colorless, pungent-smelling gas, can cause watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes and throat, nausea, and difficulty in breathing in some humans exposed at elevated levels (above 0.1 parts per million). High concentrations may trigger attacks in people with asthma. There is evidence that some people can develop a sensitivity to formaldehyde. It has also been shown to cause cancer in animals and may cause cancer in humans. Health effects include eye, nose, and throat irritation; wheezing and coughing; fatigue; skin rash; severe allergic reactions. May cause cancer.”

This short video succinctly explains the danger formaldehyde and what to do about it.

http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2012...-family-from-the-dangers-of-formaldehyde.html

 

[IcyBC]

Yikes...how horrible that we must always be vigilant even inside our homes for toxic thing like formaldehyde. It seems as if it is impossible to avoid and I need to purchase one of those online test kits to check my house since it is an old house. Thanks for sharing this information.

 

[Sefie]

Yeah, it's really sad our families get exposed to this kind of things Formaldehyde it's really dangerous in its gas form, it is known it causes cancer. So the houses that are tainted with it need to be very cool all the time, if they get too warm that nasty thing might be released in the shape of a gas. So scary! Sadly Formaldehyde can also be found in personal care products but it's the most dangerous when found in hair straighteners... it comes under the name of methylene glycol, and when exposed to eat formaldehyde is released.