HEALTH: Formaldehyde in the home

[Guest guest]

Everyone knows formaldehyde is dangerous yet they put it in vaccines and

tell us to inject it into our bodies... boggles my mind every time I

think about it.

 

Mouse

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Formaldehyde is a chemical widely used in many building materials and

household products. According to the Environmental Defense Scoreboard it

is ranked as one of the most hazardous compounds to ecosystems and human health.

 

Possible Health Problems

 

Exposure to formaldehyde affects people differently. Some experience no

adverse reactions when exposed to moderate levels, while others do, even

after low exposure. This colorless, pungent gas can cause one or more of

the following health problems:

 

Coughing

Dizziness

Eye irritation or watery eyes

Fatigue

Headaches

Lethargy

Nausea

Nose irritation

Skin rashes

Throat irritation

Upper respiratory tract irritation

Wheezing

 

Possible Sources in the Home

Formaldehyde exists in every home to some degree. The concentrations in

the home vary depending on the age of the home and the quantity of

pressed wood products. Here is a partial listing of products that may

contain formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasing agents.

 

Adhesives

Air fresheners

Carpet backings

Cigarette smoking

Cosmetics

Drapery fabric

Dyes

Fiberboard

Floor polishes

Fuel burning appliances - wood, kerosene or natural gas

Glues

Household liquid scouring cleaners

Household rug and upholstery cleaners

Markers

Paints

Paper products

Particle board - furniture, fixtures, cabinets

Permanent press clothing

Plywood paneling resins

Rug and upholstery cleaners

Scatter rugs and bath mats

Sheet vinyl flooring

Toilet bowl cleaners

Wall coverings

 

Steps to Reduce Exposure

 

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends

taking the following steps to reduce household exposure to formaldehyde:

 

Use " exterior-grade " pressed wood products (lower-emitting because they

contain phenol resins, not urea resins).

Use air conditioning and dehumidifier to maintain moderate temperature

and reduce humidity levels.

Increase ventilation, particularly after bringing new sources of

formaldehyde into the home.

 

Other steps include:

Buy formaldehyde-free products.

Wash permanent press clothing prior to use.

Avoid products that contain these formaldehyde releasing agents such as

bronopol, diazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolindinyl, and

quaternium 15.

 

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http://allergies.about.com/library/weekly/aa010801a.htm