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;

How do you get 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.

What are some human health effects of formaldehyde poisoning?

What are the short-term health effects of formaldehyde exposure? 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.

Who is most affected by formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is also a component of tobacco smoke and both people who smoke and those breathing secondhand smoke are exposed to higher levels of formaldehyde. 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.

Why is formaldehyde used in products?

Formaldehyde-based chemistry is essential in the production of many personal care (1) and consumer items. These products may contain formaldehyde-releasing ingredients, which act as a preservative to kill microorganisms and prevent growth of bacteria and other pathogens, extending product shelf life.

Where formaldehyde is found?

It is found in gas stoves and open fireplaces, as well as outdoors in automobile emissions. Since formaldehyde is used in the manufacturing of many household items—from furniture to cosmetics—it is present in every home.

How is formaldehyde diagnosed?

In cases of acute exposure, formaldehyde will most likely be detected by smell; however, persons who are sensitized to formaldehyde may experience headaches and minor eye and airway irritation at levels below the odor threshold (odor threshold is 0.5 to 1.0 ppm; OSHA PEL is 0.75 ppm).

Can you smell formaldehyde?

Because of its strong odor, formaldehyde can be smelled at very low levels. The typical person can smell formaldehyde at levels less than those that might cause health effects. People who are hypersensitive or who have respiratory problems may experience effects at levels lower than what can be smelled.

How do you test for formaldehyde poisoning?

Specific tests for the presence of formaldehyde in blood or urine may be available, but the results generally are not useful to the doctor. If a severe exposure has occurred, blood and urine analyses and other tests may show whether the lungs have been injured or if systemic effects are possible.

What can formaldehyde cause?

At low levels, breathing in formaldehyde can cause eye, nose and throat irritation. At higher levels, formaldehyde exposure can cause skin rashes, shortness of breath, wheezing and changes in lung function.

How is formaldehyde poisoning treated explain?

There is no antidote for formaldehyde. Treatment consists of supportive measures including decontamination (flushing of skin and eyes with water, gastric lavage, and administration of activated charcoal), administration of supplemental oxygen, intravenous sodium bicarbonate and/or isotonic fluid, and hemodialysis.