Formaldehyde
QUESTION:
Hi Debra,
Thanks for all the wonderful information! I keep reading a lot on plastics and formaldehyde being unhealthy. Can you give me some sources?
My husband works in a manufacturing plant. They make plastic parts for various things (cars, mostly). He comes home smelling very "chemically" :-(
When I asked what the smell was, he said "probably formaldehyde". What does this mean for our family? He assures me that it is not going to harm us, but he really hasn't done any research other than the fact that his employer does not take any precautions (he has worked at other plants where they were required to change clothes/shower before going home because of harmful chemicals in the plant).
Can you tell me if this can affect us? And if so, can you also point me to some other sources for further information?
Thanks in Advance!
Melissa
POSTED BY MELISSA :: GEORGIA USA :: 09/08/2006 10:22 AM
DEBRA'S ANSWER:
Formaldehyde is a volatile chemical, which means it can permeate clothing and then be released again later into the air. If you can smell it on your husband's clothing and he thinks it is formaldehyde, then your family is being exposed.
Read the links below to learn about health effects and exposure limits. I would recommend that even if your husband's employer doesn't require it, your husband should shower and change clothes before he comes home.
There are many websites that have information on the health effects of formaldehyde (type "health effects of formaldehyde" into any search engine).
Here are two to start with that are easy to read:
* Reference Data Sheet on Formaldehyde gives health effects. sources, and recommended exposure limits.
* Environmental Protection Agency: Formaldehyde includes sources of formaldehyde, health effects, levels in homes, and steps to reduce exposure, plus links to other sources of information on the chemical.
Debra :-)
