The Danger of Formaldehyde

I started to become more conscious about this chemical when I searched for a new bed for my kids. The presence of formaldehyde in the environment seems to be unavoidable and it concerns me. I discovered that it can be found even in children’s clothes, in bedding sheets, and so on. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen; Europe banned the use of it last year while U.S. doesn’t even bother to consider it although it is classified as a human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Besides the fact that it occurs naturally, formaldehyde is found in many products that are part of our daily lives and therefore, a total avoidance is almost impossible. I will try to come up with a list of products containing formaldehyde and some recommendations on how to reduce exposure.

Where is found

• glue or adhesives in pressed-wood furniture in household furnishing
• in foam used in furniture and in construction (urea-formaldehyde foam and fiberglass insulation). To note: Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation installed 5 to 10 years ago is unlikely to still release formaldehyde the building industry (to water – and grease-proof concrete and plaster)
• film processing
• textile treatment – especially in carpeting and as a permanent press fabric finishes (e.g., draperies) but it can be found in clothes too
• leather tanning
• cosmetics and medications - as a preservative (especially in nail polish), mouthwash, spermatocide cream, skin disinfectants, and cough drops
• air fresheners
• disinfectant (especially in mattresses) and fumigants
• vinyl products
• burning materials: cigarettes, kerosene, wood, and natural gas
• paints - as a preservative
• coated paper products

How to reduce exposure to formaldehyde

• Ventilate well your house. The levels of formaldehyde are higher inside the house than outside. This is the easiest to do.
  
• Avoid cosmetics that contain formaldehyde – for nail polishes, there are already many alternatives; avoid the air fresheners completely – besides formaldehyde they contain other substances that are dangerous for your health.
• Wash the durable-press fabrics before use. Actually, it is always wise to wash any fabric before use.
• Avoid vinyl products – they usually contain many more chemicals.
• Avoid staying next to the open fire (on the grill or in the fireplace) and avoid smoking (including second-hand smoking).
• Chose paints that have low or 0-VOCs levels.
• When purchasing new furniture make sure it is not glued with formaldehyde-based glue and is not coated with paints containing the formaldehyde. If you are looking for a totally green option, make sure is Greenguard certified or it has the Green Seal on it.
• Avoid the use of insulation containing formaldehyde, especially urea-formaldehyde foam insulation. If you have formaldehyde-containing products that are not laminated or coated – you can use some low/no VOC, formaldehyde-free paint or varnish to coat the furniture. However, make sure you ventilate well the area during and after coating.
• Try to remove from your home those products that release formaldehyde in the indoor air