The building industry commonly uses composite wood products (forexample pressed board or particle board) when constructing kitchen and bathroom cabinets. These wood items are treated with formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is also used in the manufacture of hardwood plywood paneling and carpet padding. Throughout the 70’s, many homes were insulated with urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI). This practice was discontinued when the dangers of the high level of formaldehyde in this device were known. Fortunately for those that also live in homes insulated with UFFI, formaldehyde is just a volatile organic compound (VOC) which means it turns into a fuel upon experience of air. After 30 years, all of the formaldehyde in the UFFI in attics around the world has dissipated.
But how about the formaldehyde that is lurking in your house? Could it be a problem? Formaldehyde could cause an itchy or burning throat, a dried cough, irritation to the nose and eyes as well as asthma attacks. It could cause dizziness, rashes, or chronic fatigue.
The non-public care and cosmetics industry also likes formaldehyde. See the label of your preferred nail polish or hardener/strengthener. You might find it prominently listed. Also, search for the name Quaternium-15. This indicates the presence of formaldehyde. You will find it in shampoos, hair spray, sunscreen, and even air fresheners.
Did I mention that formaldehyde is used in embalming? The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the main World Health Organization, 除甲醛 has designated formaldehyde as a known reason for several types of throat and nasal cancer.
So how do you steer clear of the dangers of formaldehyde? Well for wood products, inquire about this content when you buy. Avoid products with urea-formaldehyde in them. You are able to always substitute exterior grade plywood for particle board. Urea-formaldehyde isn’t used in exterior products. In the event that you have pressed board and particle board in your cabinets, you are able to seal them with several thin coats of polyurethane.
Keep good air movement to hasten off-gassing. There is an air cleanser produced by Austin Air just for removal of formaldehyde. It is named the HealthMate Plus. As well as formaldehyde, it will even remove dust and other particles as small as .3 microns.
Read the labels of your individual care and household cleaning products. Avoid formaldehyde and Quaternium-15. There are numerous brands of soy-based household cleaners on the market which can be formaldehyde-free. I like the Enviro-Rite line by Bioforce Envirotech. Choose your individual maintenance systems carefully. Pharmaceutical Specialities has an entire line of skin and hair maintenance systems for people with sensitive skin and they contain no formaldehyde or parabens and Tom’s of Maine makes deodorant and toothpaste without formaldehyde.