You might be wondering…What is Formaldehyde, exactly?
Formaldehyde is a strong colorless smelling chemical that is used in many building materials. It is used in pressed-wood products, such as laminate flooring, plywood, and fiberboard. Additionally formaldehyde is used as a germicide, industrial fungicide, and a disinfectant. Formaldehyde also occurs naturally in the environment; it is produced in small amounts by most living organisms as part of normal metabolic processes.* As brought to the forefront by the CBS network show 60 Minutes – lots of imported building materials used by contractors now contain unacceptable levels of formaldehyde.
What are the health effects from Formaldehyde exposure?
When formaldehyde levels exceed standards individuals may have adverse effects, such as: burning sensations in the nose, throat, and eyes; nausea, coughing, wheezing, and skin irritation. Formaldehyde, like other allergens affect all people differently, some will be greatly affected while others have no reaction to equal exposures. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen (cancer causing substance). The Department of Health and Human Services named formaldehyde as a known human carcinogen. Studies have shown that people with high or prolonged exposure to formaldehyde are at an increased risk of leukemia, brain cancer and lung cancer.
How can you limit exposure to Formaldehyde exposure in your home?
The EPA recommends the use of exterior grade pressed wood products to limit exposure in your home. Before purchasing pressed wood or laminate wood products for your home (building materials, cabinetry, flooring and furniture) buyers should ask about formaldehyde content in these products. These few steps can also bring down formaldehyde levels in your home: reduce humidity levels throughout with the use of air conditioning and dehumidifiers, balance temperatures and the use of adequate ventilation and periodically air out your house.
You may have seen this piece on 60 minutes about Lumber Liquidators; whether you have or not, please take a moment to view it. It might save you, a family member or neighbor from a difficult or scary situation. To watch the video, click on the link below:
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/lumber-liquidators-linked-to-health-and-safety-violations/
Formaldehyde Testing
If you feel like you may need to check the formaldehyde levels in your flooring or other materials in your home, let us help. Memphis Mold Inspector offers comprehensive formaldehyde testing. For more information about us and what we do, please contact us.
*National Cancer Institute. www.cancer.gov. Formaldehyde and Cancer Risk.
