Air On The Side Of Caution: Formaldehyde
By Pippa Sorley
Filed Under Green Living |
Approximately 75,000 chemicals are injected into our homes and buildings, furniture and toys. And, Americans are spending more time indoors than ever. These days, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is garnering a lot of attention in health and science news, and LEED certifications are now taking into account the health hazards associated with a range of indoor pollutants, including Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) derived from toxic paints, formaldehyde offgassing from compressed wood supplies, and the release of asbestos from insulation. According to a recent survey, people in the U.S. spend 90% of their time indoors! That’s a lot of potentially polluted air time, so stay tuned to learn more from our Air On The Side Of Caution series. We’ll keep you informed on what to look out for, as well as the safe alternatives.
FORMALDEHYDE
Although formaldehyde is an important and useful building material, overexposure to this noxious chemical can cause an array of symptoms, ranging from eye, nose and throat irritation to skin rashes, headaches, nausea and vomiting. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ranks formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen, however, the risk of cancer risk associated with exposure to formaldehyde in homes is equal or less than 1 chance in a million of developing cancer. Even though you have as much chance of developing formaldehyde-related cancer as you do winning the lottery, it is important to be aware of where formaldehyde is found. In homes, the most significant sources are pressed wood products such as particle board, hardwood plywood paneling and fiberboard (used for drawer fronts, cabinets, and furniture tops) made using adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins. ![lilipad studio kids furniture](http://www.econsciousmarket.com/eco-times/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/2s-brsided72dpi-500-277x300.jpg "Click here to check out the Lilipad Studio \")
To reduce your exposure to formaldehyde, buyers of building materials, cabinetry, and furniture, should ask about the formaldehyde content of these products. Look for non-pressed wood furniture, keep your home humidity levels low, and increase ventilation, particularly after bringing new sources of formaldehyde into your home.
Posted on April 25, 2008 |
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Another suggestion is to use steel cabinetry or furniture that carries a third party certification. Often the third party tests emissions levels of the products in a modeled chamber to see what is emitting from them into our air that we breathe.
[...] plenty of interesting tidbits to be found on the site, from the Top Five Most-Eco Countries, to the effects of formaldehyde on our air supply. And, if you ever need a break from the text, you can always go (mindfully) shop—with just a [...]