Crafting visually appealing and practical living spaces is a common goal for many, but ensuring the consideration of health and safety often takes precedence. Within this framework, formaldehyde, a common chemical found in furniture manufacturing, emerges as a potential health concern, particularly in relation to its link with cancer. Formaldehyde, an organic compound with the molecular formula HCHO, is a flammable, pungent colourless gas in solution made by oxidizing methanol. It polymerizes simultaneously into paraformaldehyde and is used in various products and processes like building materials, insulation, medical supplies, furniture manufacturing, and in the production of many chemicals and plastics.
Formaldehyde in Furniture Manufacturing:
Here, Formaldehyde is used as a bonding agent in the production of various furniture products, particularly in particleboard and plywood. It is also used as a preservative for fabrics, carpets, and textiles. It's a cost-effective chemical that provides strength and longevity to the finished product. The alarming reality is that formaldehyde is present in numerous household items, including but not limited to furniture, bedding, rugs, carpets, flooring, non-iron fabrics like curtains and drapes, permanent-press clothing, cosmetics, paints, tobacco smoke, pesticides, open fireplaces, dish soap, and even toilet paper. Despite its widespread use, formaldehyde poses potential health risks when released into indoor environments, primarily through a process known as off-gassing. Off-gassing refers to the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other chemicals from a material into the surrounding air.
Exposure to formaldehyde has been linked to various health concerns; the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified it as a known human carcinogen. Prolonged and high levels of exposure to formaldehyde can lead to eye and throat irritation, respiratory issues, and, more alarmingly, an increased risk of cancer. The IARC concluded that there is “strong but not sufficient evidence” that formaldehyde causes leukaemia but literature-based prediction suggests a potential leukaemia-inducing mechanism of formaldehyde via oxidative stress.
Health Risks and Cancer Implications:
The recent death of a flat-dweller in Beijing has raised concerns about formaldehyde, a carcinogenic substance widely used in construction. Mr. Wang, who moved into a new apartment in July 2018, died of leukaemia three months later. Doctors had declared him fit and healthy during a check-up in January, but his health deteriorated after the move. The formaldehyde levels in the Hangzhou apartment were 0.132 milligrams per cubic meter, slightly above the national standard of 0.1. Rushing to meet housing demands, finished flats are sometimes marketed before formaldehyde has had adequate time to disperse.
Infants and young children are particularly vulnerable to this harm. A new single-family home furnished with a crib and changing table containing formaldehyde would have indoor formaldehyde levels of about 30 parts per billion (ppb) on average throughout the whole house. A less spacious unit in a new apartment building could have indoor formaldehyde levels as high as 52 ppb. These estimates exclude additional formaldehyde emissions from building materials or other furniture within the home.
Studies have shown that chronic exposure to formaldehyde at levels greater than 16 ppb in indoor air is linked with an increased likelihood of respiratory symptoms (such as coughing) or allergic sensitization in children. Indoor formaldehyde levels greater than 50 ppb have been associated with an increased risk of diagnosed childhood asthma and nasopharyngeal cancer. Formaldehyde appears to have a significant impact on children’s respiratory health. For example, in one study, 16 per cent of children in homes with formaldehyde levels less than 16 had been diagnosed with asthma, while 44 per cent had asthma in homes with indoor formaldehyde concentrations greater than 40 ppb. Under Proposition 65, California has determined that exposure to formaldehyde at 40 micrograms per day (equivalent to an indoor concentration of about 2 ppb) results in a 1 in 100,000 lifetime risk of cancer.
Although the short-term health effects of formaldehyde exposure are well known, less is known about its potential long-term health effects. In 1980, laboratory studies showed that exposure to formaldehyde could cause nasal cancer in rats. This finding raised the question of whether formaldehyde exposure could also cause cancer in humans.
Ways To Prevent Formaldehyde Exposure At Home:
1. Shop Smart: Read about how to buy safer wood products, and opt for solid wood products without fillers or adhesives like benzene, toluene, or formaldehyde.
2. Use Zero VOC Paint: Paints and wallpaper emit formaldehyde, and their emissions do not dissipate immediately after drying. Zero VOC paint is recommended, and avoiding wallpaper can help reduce exposure.
3. Inquire About Formaldehyde Content: Before purchasing pressed-wood products, including building materials, furniture, and cabinetry, ask about the formaldehyde content.
4. Ensure Adequate Ventilation: Reduce formaldehyde levels in homes by ensuring proper ventilation, maintaining moderate temperatures, and controlling humidity levels with air conditioners and dehumidifiers.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the prevalent use of formaldehyde in furniture manufacturing poses a significant health concern, as evidenced by its link to cancer and various respiratory issues. The tragic case of Mr. Wang in Beijing underscores the urgent need for stringent regulations and thorough testing to ensure safe living spaces. Vulnerable populations, especially children, face heightened risks, emphasizing the importance of informed consumer choices and the adoption of preventative measures. Government standards, such as California's Proposition 65, provide essential guidelines for acceptable exposure levels, urging a collective effort to prioritize health and safety in living spaces. By advocating for safer manufacturing practices, practising conscious consumerism, and implementing practical measures like choosing Zero VOC paint and ensuring adequate ventilation, individuals can contribute to the creation of visually appealing yet health-conscious living environments.
Reference:
· https://purelivingspace.com/blogs/home-air-quality/cut-household-formaldehyde-with-nine-proven-ways
~BY Sanika Kharat
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