Formaldehyde Monitor

By Sandee Buckalew


At these times, I think all of us are aware of the hazards associated with carbon monoxide and natural gases, yet another kind of chemical gas that is actually a component of various products due to its low-priced value, is hazardous as well. This chemical is called formaldehyde. As a matter of fact, the more research I did on this dangerous chemical, the more products I found that contained it. From the time we became aware of the dangers of formaldehydes, products containing this chemical can no longer be seen in our household. The last ones that we bought were disposed immediately.

Your skin is open to formaldehyde exposure if you often put make up on your face. Formaldehyde may be expulsed once you put on your clothes. Little amounts of formaldehyde may exist in your hair cleansers. Formaldehyde can be found in paper, wood, construction materials, furniture, home furnishings, fertilizers, insulation, dyes, some medicines, household products, embalming fluid and can also be released when you burn tobacco, natural gas, wood, kerosene, or gasoline because it is a product of combustion. Formaldehyde comprise one third of its overall utilization, with its chief application in products made of wood, such as particleboards and fiberboards. Formaldehyde release is at its highest when products are brand new. However later in the days that follow, it will slowly dissipate.

Formaldehyde is a known colorless cancer causing gas compound and causes a number of health issues including dizziness, nausea, chronic fatigue, rashes, and hives. Some of the more serious symptoms are difficulty breathing, heart palpitations, ear infections, memory loss, depression, sleeplessness, aching joints and muscles, migraines, trouble focusing and weakness, and in the most serious of cases, cancer.

Formaldehyde is big business, having a 100-year history of existence. 11.3 billion pounds of formaldehyde was manufactured in America in 1998 and has increased to a massive quantity of 46 billion pounds in 2004. It is still on the rise. It wasn't unexpected that government would not forbid formaldehyde's inclusion in consumer products given that it was a large player in the industry. However, in 1985, Minnesota does regulate the sale of wood products, requiring that a warning label be attached to certain construction materials using urea formaldehyde.

Lately, a black leather bag that we purchased reeked with formaldehyde (strong smell similar to a pickle), therefore we disposed of it. Formaldehyde exposure may be prevented at best by start cleaning your 'closet'. Any items or materials in your household that you believe that has formaldehyde must be disposed. Also, do not put things that have bare particle boards in your bedroom. Other ways to avoid formaldehyde's toxic effects are to minimize having things that have it, placing alarm systems that detect it, and maintaining your ventilation systems. Formaldehyde alarm systems can sense the harmful gas from building and combusting materials especially in moving or pre-made houses.

Protect yourself. Use your intelligence in a rational way. If you suspect you are being exposed to formaldehyde in your home, take the necessary steps to make your living space healthy for you and your family.




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