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What common products contain formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is found in:
- Resins used in the manufacture of composite wood products (i.e., hardwood plywood, particleboard and medium-density fiberboard);
- Building materials and insulation;
- Household products such as glues, permanent press fabrics, paints and coatings, lacquers and finishes, and paper products;
What does formaldehyde do to your body?
When formaldehyde is present in the air at levels exceeding 0.1 ppm, some individuals may experience adverse effects such as watery eyes; burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat; coughing; wheezing; nausea; and skin irritation.
What else is formaldehyde in?
Formaldehyde is a strong-smelling, colorless gas used in making building materials and many household products. It is used in pressed-wood products, such as particleboard, plywood, and fiberboard; glues and adhesives; permanent-press fabrics; paper product coatings; and certain insulation materials.
What is the main ingredient in formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is a simple chemical compound made of hydrogen, oxygen and carbon.
How do you avoid formaldehyde?
How to minimize risks associated with formaldehyde exposure:
- Establish a no smoking policy in your home.
- Clean chimneys and wood burning appliances.
- Keep idling gas engines away from the home.
- Buy solid wood furniture, or be sure pressed wood products are sealed.
- Increase ventilation during painting projects.
What is a safe level of formaldehyde in the home?
A weight of evidence-based formaldehyde exposure limit of 0.1 ppm (100 ppb) is recommended as an indoor air level for all individuals for odor detection and sensory irritation.
What are the signs of formaldehyde poisoning?
Formaldehyde Poisoning is a disorder brought about by breathing the fumes of formaldehyde. This can occur while working directly with formaldehyde, or using equipment cleaned with formaldehyde. Major symptoms may include eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches; and/or skin rashes.
Is there formaldehyde in apples?
Formaldehyde can be found naturally in food up to the levels of 300 to 400 mg/kg, including fruits and vegetables (e.g. pear, apple, green onion), meats, fish (e.g., Bombay-duck, cod fish), crustacean and dried mushroom, etc ( Appendix). Ingestion of a small amount of formaldehyde is unlikely to cause any acute effect.
How long does it take for formaldehyde to dissipate?
about two years
Bottom Line: How Long it Takes to Off-gas Formaldehyde from Homes. The data suggests it takes about two years for formaldehyde to off-gas down to levels of the average home. However, higher temperatures and higher humidity may expedite the process, reducing the time taken to off-gas formaldehyde.
Where is formaldehyde found in the home?
Sources of formaldehyde in the home include building materials, smoking, household products, and the use of un-vented, fuel-burning appliances, like gas stoves or kerosene space heaters. Formaldehyde, by itself or in combination with other chemicals, serves a number of purposes in manufactured products.
Where is formaldehyde naturally found?
It’s also naturally occurring in many foods. Fruits like apples, bananas, grapes, and plums; vegetables like onions, carrots, and spinach; and even meats like seafood, beef, and poultry contain formaldehyde.
How do I know if there is formaldehyde in my house?
The walls and floor Formaldehyde may be found in the paint on your walls, as well as in the carpet adhesives on the floor. Some paints, however, are advertised as “low-VOC” or “zero-VOC” and may contain lower levels of formaldehyde. If you have wood paneling on your walls, formaldehyde may be present there, too.