Workers in industries that make formaldehyde or formaldehyde-containing products, lab technicians, some health care professionals, and funeral home employees may be exposed to higher levels of formaldehyde than the general public. Using these can raise indoor air concentrations of formaldehyde to levels that could be a potential hazard.
ANOTHER WORD FOR ISSUE RESERCH PROFESSIONAL
Professional keratin hair smoothing treatments can contain formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasing chemicals. These may raise the concentration of formaldehyde in the air inside the room for a short time, but the levels reached are far below what is considered to be hazardous. One study found much higher levels of formaldehyde bound to DNA in the white blood cells of people who smoke compared to those who don't smoke.įormaldehyde and other chemicals that release formaldehyde are sometimes used in low concentrations in cosmetics and other personal care products like lotions, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and some fingernail polishes. Using unvented fuel-burning appliances, such as gas stoves, wood-burning stoves, and kerosene heaters can also raise formaldehyde levels indoors.įormaldehyde is also a component of tobacco smoke and both people who smoke and those breathing secondhand smoke are exposed to higher levels of formaldehyde. Pressed-wood products containing formaldehyde resins are often a source of formaldehyde in homes. Homes in which UFFI was installed many years ago are not likely to have high formaldehyde levels now. But few homes are now insulated with UFFI. Automobile exhaust is a major source of formaldehyde in outdoor air.ĭuring the 1970s, urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) was used in many homes. Materials containing formaldehyde can release it as a gas or vapor into the air. Most inhaled formaldehyde is broken down by the cells lining the mouth, nose, throat, and airways, so that less than a third is absorbed into the blood.Īccording to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, formaldehyde is normally present at low levels (less than 0.03 parts per million) in both indoor and outdoor air. Enzymes in the body break down formaldehyde into formate (formic acid), which can be further broken down into carbon dioxide. People can also be exposed to small amounts by eating foods or drinking liquids containing formaldehyde.įormaldehyde is normally made in the body. The liquid form can be absorbed through the skin. The main way people are exposed to formaldehyde is by inhaling it. Humans and most other living organisms make small amounts as part of normal metabolic processes. These have been found in cosmetics, soaps, shampoos, lotions and sunscreens, and cleaning products.įormaldehyde can be added as a preservative to food, but it can also be produced as the result of cooking and smoking.įormaldehyde also occurs naturally in the environment. Sometimes, although formaldehyde is not used, substances that release formaldehyde are. It can also be used as a preservative in some foods and in products, such as antiseptics, medicines, and cosmetics. When dissolved in water it is called formalin, which is commonly used as an industrial disinfectant, and as a preservative in funeral homes and medical labs. It dissolves easily in water, but does not last long there, either. It is also used to make other chemicals.įormaldehyde is quickly broken down in the air – generally within hours.
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. Formaldehyde is a strong-smelling, colorless gas used in making building materials and many household products.
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