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Formaldehyde

Regulatory agencies, including the EPA and the National Cancer Institute are reporting that elevated concentrations of formaldehyde in the air (0.1 ppm or 100 ppb) may cause individuals to experience adverse health effects.  But how do we know the levels of formaldehyde in our environment?

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DOES FORMALDEHYDE CAUSE ANY OTHER HEALTH PROBLEMS?

When formaldehyde is present in the air at levels higher than 0.1 parts per million (ppm), some people may have health effects, such as:

  • Watery eyes

  • Burning sensations of the eyes, nose, and throat

  • Coughing

  • Wheezing

  • Nausea

  • Skin irritation

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Formaldehyde does not affect all people the same.  Some people have extreme sensitivity, while others have no reaction to the same level of exposure.

Formaldehyde in consumer products such as cosmetics and lotions can cause an allergic reaction in the skin (allergic contact dermatitis), which can lead to an itchy, red rash which may become raised or develop blisters.

HOW TO LIMIT YOUR EXPOSURE TO FORMALDEHYDE

  • Before buying pressed-wood products, including building materials, cabinetry, and furniture, buyers should ask about the formaldehyde content of these products.

  • The EPA recommends using "exterior-grade" products to limit formaldehyde exposure in the home. 

  • Do not smoke cigarettes or tobacco products indoors.

  • People who are concerned about formaldehyde exposure from personal care products and cosmetics can avoid using products that contain or release formaldehyde. Still, because the amount of formaldehyde released from these products is low, it isn’t clear that this will provide any health benefit.

    • Formaldehyde can be listed on a product label by other names, such as:

    • Formalin

    • Formic aldehyde

    • Methanediol

    • Methanal

    • Methyl aldehyde

    • Methylene glycol

    • Methylene oxide

    • Some chemicals that are used as preservatives can release formaldehyde, such as:

    • Benzylhemiformal

    • 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol

    • 5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane

    • Diazolidinyl urea

    • 1,3-dimethylol-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (or DMDM hydantoin)

    • Imidazolidinyl urea

    • Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate

    • Quaternium-15

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