Perhaps you’ve only heard of the chemical formaldehyde as something used in a science lab, but were you aware that it could be found in a variety of household items? While this may seem a little scary, its important to know what types of things it is used in so that you can make informed decisions about what goes in your home. So, what kinds of things can it be found in?
This is not a chemical that is too easy to detect as, like many chemicals, it is not clearly visible, however, it can, sometimes, have a pungent smell. It can be found in certain types of pressed lumber like plywood or particle board, it is also used in the treatment of textiles like sofas, curtains and cushions. Some types of glues and even fuel burning appliances can contain formaldehyde too.
The question is, though, is exposure to formaldehyde something that should worry you? There is not too much is known yet about how much time someone can be exposed to it or what kind of levels are needed for it to pose a serious health threat. However, formaldehyde is a carcinogen and so is obviously not good for the health, one of the most serious risks would be cancer, specifically of the upper throat. Other symptoms of exposure to formaldehyde are: fatigue, respiratory issues and various allergy related symptoms (although these symptoms could be a wide range of health problems).
The good news, though, is that with a bit of investigation, you can find materials that do not contain this chemical. As always, doing your own research is a valuable tool.
