Hi Mary, Thank you for your post. Boy that is terrible news about the high cancer rate in Lima Ohio. Here is some information about Formaldehyde I found for you. Formaldehyde is a chemical widely used in many building materials and household products. According to the Environmental Defense Scoreboard it is ranked as one of the most hazardous compounds to ecosystems and human health. Here are some possible Health Problems
Exposure to formaldehyde affects people differently. Some experience no adverse reactions when exposed to moderate levels, while others do, even after low exposure. This colorless, pungent gas can cause one or more of the following health problems:
* CoughingFORMALDEHYDE TOXIC CHEMICAL FUMES GASES ODOR * Dizziness * Eye irritation or watery eyes * Fatigue * Headaches * Lethargy * Nausea * Nose irritation * Skin rashes * Throat irritation * Upper respiratory tract irritation * Wheezing
Here are some possible Sources in the Home
Formaldehyde exists in every home to some degree. The concentrations in the home vary depending on the age of the home and the quantity of pressed wood products. Here is a partial listing of products that may contain formaldehyde or formaldehyde releasing agents.
* Adhesives * Air fresheners * Carpet backings * Cigarette smoking * Cosmetics * Drapery fabric * Dyes * Fiberboard * Floor polishes * Fuel burning appliances - wood, kerosene or natural gas * Glues * Household liquid scouring cleaners * Household rug and upholstery cleanersFORMALDEHYDE TOXIC CHEMICAL FUMES GASES ODOR * Markers * Paints * Paper products * Particle board - furniture, fixtures, cabinets * Permanent press clothing * Plywood paneling resins * Rug and upholstery cleaners * Scatter rugs and bath mats * Sheet vinyl flooring * Toilet bowl cleaners * Wall coverings
Here are some Steps to Reduce Exposure
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends taking the following steps to reduce household exposure to formaldehyde:
* Use "exterior-grade" pressed wood products (lower-emitting because they contain phenol resins, not urea resins). * Use air conditioning and dehumidifier to maintain moderate temperature and reduce humidity levels. * Increase ventilation, particularly after bringing new sources of formaldehyde into the home.
Other steps include:
* Buy formaldehyde-free products. * Wash permanent press clothing prior to use. * Avoid products that contain these formaldehyde releasing agents such as bronopol, diazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl, and quaternium 15.
I can help you reduce the Formaldehyde with our Company's products. It is truly scary just how toxic are world is! Are you familiar with Sams or B.J's Wholesale Clubs and Costco? I'm with a company called "Melaleuca", and it's a Factory Direct, International Wholesale Manufacturing Company that provides an incredible home shopping service fo strictly ALL Natural products, No chemicals at all! There are over 300 products to choose from. I always say its simply a matter of "changing stores". You can see just how many products we have at www.melaleuca.com, But to see some further information please go to my website at www.changestoresforlife.com I truly am trying to help people such as yourself. My friend and mentor in Melaleuca who is also a nurse has started to put together a great Newsletter simply called public health awareness. It will be filled with serious public health information. I will let you know when it is live:)
Take care, Your friend Michele
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