The building industry commonly uses composite wood products (forexample pressed board or particle board) when constructing kitchen and bathroom cabinets. These wood products are treated with formaldehyde. Formaldehyde can be utilized in the manufacture of hardwood plywood paneling and carpet padding. During the 70’s, many homes were insulated with urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI). 除甲醛 This practice was discontinued when the dangers of the high number of formaldehyde in this device were known. Fortunately for those that still live in homes insulated with UFFI, formaldehyde is just a volatile organic compound (VOC) which means it turns into a gas upon contact with air. After 30 years, all of the formaldehyde in the UFFI in attics across the country has dissipated.
But how about the formaldehyde that’s lurking at home? Could it be a problem? Formaldehyde may cause an itchy or burning throat, a dry cough, irritation to the nose and eyes or even asthma attacks. It may cause dizziness, rashes, or chronic fatigue.
The private care and cosmetics industry also likes formaldehyde. Browse the label of your favorite nail polish or hardener/strengthener. You might find it prominently listed. Also, look for the name Quaternium-15. This indicates the current presence of formaldehyde. You can find it in shampoos, hair spray, sunscreen, and even air fresheners.
Did I mention that formaldehyde is utilized in embalming? The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the main World Health Organization, 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 the content before 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 utilized in exterior products. In the event that you curently have pressed board and particle board in your cabinets, you are able to seal them with several thin coats of polyurethane.
Keep good air flow to hasten off-gassing. There is an air cleanser created by Austin Air only for removal of formaldehyde. It is called the HealthMate Plus. As well as formaldehyde, it will also remove dust and other particles as small as .3 microns.
Read labels of your own personal care and household cleaning products. Avoid formaldehyde and Quaternium-15. There are many brands of soy-based household cleaners available on the market which are formaldehyde-free. I such as the Enviro-Rite line by Bioforce Envirotech. Choose your own personal care products carefully. Pharmaceutical Specialities posseses an entire line of skin and hair care products for people with sensitive skin and they contain no formaldehyde or parabens and Tom’s of Maine makes deodorant and toothpaste without formaldehyde.