High Levels of Exposure to Formaldehyde is Hazardous to Human Health
What is Formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is a common chemical, used primarily in adhesive or bonding agents for many materials found in households and offices, including carpets, upholstery, particle boards, and plywood paneling.
Health Effects
Formaldehyde (HCHO), 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).
Formaldehyde is considered a strong irritant and potent sensitizer. Inhalation of large amounts of HCHO can cause severe irritation of the upper respiratory tract and even death. The release of formaldehyde into the air may cause health problems such as coughing, eye, nose, and throat irritation, skin rashes, headaches, and dizziness.
High concentrations may also trigger attacks in people with asthma. There is evidence that some people can develop sensitivity to formaldehyde. It has also been shown to cause cancer in animals and may cause cancer in humans.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is of concern to all of us since we spend a substantial amount of our time indoors, be it at the office, our home, or other commercial buildings and establishments.
