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Formaldehyde
This chemical, in gas or liquid form, is a natural forming byproduct of burning organic fuels such as wood, diesel, coal, gasoline, etc, but the concentration is extremely low and are detected in the air. Second hand cigarette smoke is one of the largest producers of Formaldehyde. Tobacco that is soaked in formaldehyde helps to slow the burning process and extend the life of the tobacco in the cigarette, cigar, as well illicit drugs. Even our bodies produce certain amounts of formaldehyde as we burn fuel which produces a waste product from consumption of methanol in some of the foods we eat or in combination with other foods and is detectable in the blood. Formaldehyde is not harmful in it’s natural levels and it certainly suggests that it is not toxic to the organs in our bodies within safe levels. But if the levels are increased it then becomes more like a pickling solution and hinders the proper operation of bodily organs. Hence Formaldehyde is one of the key ingredients in embalming fluid, up to 30% in volume.
Due to the attractive abilities of Formaldehyde, it has become a very popular main ingredient in the chemical industry. It is needed in the production of MDF plywood, adhesives, fabrics, drugs, paper, resins, carpets, furniture, deodorant, oil products, ink, and the list goes on. However, the most alarming thing about formaldehyde is the use in products used in the food and medical industries. Not only are these people exposed to it at work, but then receive double exposure at home.
Formaldehyde appears very harmless, water soluble, is basically edible, and our bodies produce it. The problem occurs when large quantities of it are required to maintain stability of the product to which it has become an integral part of, namely the components in our homes, vehicles, even the personal toiletries that we use daily.
Harmful levels of Formaldehyde can be tricky. Depending on our metabolism and how much our bodies produce, we can react to varying levels of Formaldehyde and gradually build up an immunity to the effects of Formaldehyde. We can become so used to it that we suddenly find ourselves in very toxic levels over 100 parts per million (PPM). Breathing Formaldehyde air borne particulate as low as 1 PPM can cause throat irritation to someone who has had little exposure to it. The problem begins in an hour or so, when our body adapts to this new level. This is how the cycle begins and how dangerous levels grow. Incidentally, depending on the tobacco, second hand cigarette smoke produces approximately. 40 PPM of Formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde is not a concern when imbedded in products which do not allow formaldehyde exposure to the air. This is nearly impossible so the potential for contact with the skin is very high and the likelihood is high that the exposed molecules start off-gassing into the air that we breath.
Effects of Formaldehyde include -
1 PPM slight tickle in the throat or hives, slight eye irritations,
5 PPM cough, chest tightness, wheezing, mild hives,
50 PPM uncontrollable coughing, severe hives,
100 PPM is an immediate risk to life.
Extreme exposure can be traced to cancer in the nose, respiratory system, and sinuses. This of course includes a good supply of oxygen in the air. In closed up rooms with no or poor ventilation and low oxygen content combined with the levels above, this can create dizziness, tired feelings, nausea, and possibly chest pains. Our skin can also absorb it.
Fortunately, Formaldehyde is on it’s way out as other ingredients are being discovered as replacements. Formaldehyde is still used today, but there are stringent controls as to the amounts used, how it is handled, where it is used, and an up-and-coming set of safe level guidelines for exposure. That doesn’t help us with the amount of products that have been around for many years.
If you are concerned about Formaldehyde in your home or office, call us for a test.
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