Formaldehyde - Wow, this stuff is everywhere! by Eileen Sodell

Some of this is from the EPA recommendations, some is my own opinion and at the bottom some of the opinions of RoTi readers:

Sources of Formaldehyde
Pressed wood products (hardwood plywood wall paneling, particleboard, fiberboard) and furniture made with these pressed wood products. Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI). Combustion sources and environmental tobacco smoke. Durable press drapes, other textiles, and glues.

Health Effects
Formaldehyde, a colorless, pungent-smelling gas, can cause watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes and throat, nausea, and difficulty in breathing in some humans exposed at elevated levels (above 0.1 parts per million). High concentrations may trigger attacks in people with asthma. There is evidence that some people can develop a sensitivity to formaldehyde. It has also been shown to cause cancer in animals and may cause cancer in humans. Health effects include eye, nose, and throat irritation; wheezing and coughing; fatigue; skin rash; severe allergic reactions. May cause cancer. May also cause other effects listed under "organic gases." EPA's Integrated Risk Information System profile - http://www.epa.gov/iris/subst/0419.htm

Open the windows, turn on the fans and ventilate, ventilate, ventilate!!!. These problems are much less with used RVs - but I like everything new…new cars and new houses included – and especially new clothes!!! What to do?

• Steps to Reduce Exposure
  Use "exterior-grade" pressed wood products (lower-emitting because they contain phenol resins, not urea resins). 

• Use air conditioning and dehumidifiers to maintain moderate temperature and reduce humidity levels. 

• Increase ventilation, particularly after bringing new sources of formaldehyde into the home. 

Ask about the formaldehyde content of pressed wood products, including building materials, cabinetry, and furniture before you purchase them.

If you experience adverse reactions to formaldehyde, you may want to avoid the use of pressed wood products and other formaldehyde-emitting goods. Even if you do not experience such reactions, you may wish to reduce your exposure as much as possible by purchasing exterior-grade products, which emit less formaldehyde.

For further information on formaldehyde and consumer products, call the EPA Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) assistance line (202-554-1404).

Some studies suggest that coating pressed wood products with polyurethane may reduce formaldehyde emissions for some period of time. To be effective, any such coating must cover all surfaces and edges and remain intact. Increase the ventilation and carefully follow the manufacturer instructions while applying these coatings. (If you are sensitive to formaldehyde, check the label contents before purchasing coating products to avoid buying products that contain formaldehyde, as they will emit the chemical for a short time after application.)

Maintain moderate temperature and humidity levels and provide adequate ventilation.

The rate at which formaldehyde is released is accelerated by heat and may also depend somewhat on the humidity level. Therefore, the use of dehumidifiers and air conditioning to control humidity and to maintain a moderate temperature can help reduce formaldehyde emissions. (Drain and clean dehumidifier collection trays frequently so that they do not become a breeding ground for microorganisms.) Increasing the rate of ventilation in your home will also help in reducing formaldehyde levels.

OK – I will keep all this in mind …also – I will try to think Green in the future regarding products I use. 

I hope to see a Greener mentality dominating our culture. 

RoTi environment section

What do you think? ...