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Q: What is formaldehyde?
A:
It is a chemical that is released into the air as a pungent gas. It
has a number of useful properties: It's a good preservative and makes an
excellent adhesive. Therefore, it is used widely in the building and
furnishings industries. It is also found in small amounts in some textiles
as an anti-wrinkle agent.
Q: Why should I be concerned about
formaldehyde?
A: It is a strong irritant that causes
watery eyes and in low doses, causes burning sensations in the eyes, nose
and throat. Wheezing and coughing, fatigue, skin rashes, headaches, loss
of coordination and nausea are other symptoms. Larger doses can cause
asthma attacks as well as damage to the liver, kidneys and the central
nervous system. Some people are highly sensitive and react to formaldehyde
concentrations that don't bother most people.
Formaldehyde has been
shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals, but there is limited evidence
that it causes cancer in humans.
Q: What are the major sources of
formaldehyde?
A: Particle board is the major contributor
of formaldehyde to the home environment. The culprit is the adhesive, urea
formaldehyde, which can break down, releasing the formaldehyde. Phenol
formaldehyde (used in exterior panels) does not present problems. Some
particleboard is now manufactured with reduced formaldehyde.
Other sources include interior plywood, veneered or laminated furniture and cabinets, some professionally applied furniture and floor finishes, paneling, permanent press fabrics (some drapes), combustion products and cosmetics.
Q: How can I detect whether my home has
significant concentrations of formaldehyde?
A: You may
be able to detect it by its odor. Also, environmental testing firms,
listed in the yellow pages of the phone directory, should be able to test
for formaldehyde levels. Since such tests are costly, you should learn
whether your home has possible sources of formaldehyde. Also,
do-it-yourself test kits are available, but there is some question about
their accuracy.
Q: What can I do to reduce formaldehyde
problems?
A: Formaldehyde cannot penetrate plastic
laminate and is at least partly blocked by coatings. Varnishes and special
formaldehyde sealants are also available. Apply these coatings to all
exposed edges and surfaces, such as the undersides of countertops, cabinet
interiors and drawers.
High humidity and elevated temperatures cause
formaldehyde release, so you might want to control humidity through air
conditioning and dehumidifiers. Also, increase ventilation, particularly
after bringing new sources of formaldehyde into the home.
When
remodeling and in new construction, select low formaldehyde materials.
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