Welcome to My World – Formaldehyde, A Carcinogen is in Our Homes

Hello World!  I found this interesting, and disturbing, to know that we have so many products that have formaldehyde in our homes. It is even in some foods as I found out when reading the label of a frozen food product…

These Common Products Contain Formaldehyde, a Known Carcinogen.

According to Politico, the current EPA is suppressing and delaying the release of a “report that warns that most Americans inhale enough formaldehyde vapor in the course of our daily life to put us at risk of developing leukemia and other ailments.”

Yikes.

THE EPA FORMALDEHYDE COVERUP

The agency completed the drafted report in late 2016, yet it continues to

stonewall. This is hugely problematic, because even though we have long known about the hazards of formaldehyde, this new report paints formaldehyde as much more dangerous and carcinogenic than we previously believed.

The report links formaldehyde inhalation with a greater risk of developing nose and throat cancer, leukemia, and other diseases.

Unfortunately, formaldehyde is one of the most commonly used chemicals in our country. “The new assessment would give greater weight to warnings about the chemical’s risks and could lead to stricter regulations from the EPA or class-action lawsuits targeting its manufacturers, as frequently occurs after these types of studies are released.”

Essentially, this new report could lead to stricter regulations, which would be a win for all consumers. It’s been a long time coming. The National Toxicology Program has already deemed formaldehyde to be a known human carcinogen. Yet, companies continue to use it widely in manufacturing. And eventually, it winds up off-gassing into our air of our homes.

In my humble opinion, GREED has much to do with this, and until we cure greed, not much else will be cured…

COMMON PRODUCTS THAT CONTAIN FORMALDEHYDE

Until the EPA gets its act together and starts putting stronger regulations on formaldehyde, educate yourself. Here are some of your most common household items that contain formaldehyde and tips for reducing your daily exposure.

Mattresses and Pillows

Most mattresses are made out of polyurethane foam, which is petroleum-

based—yes, even your beloved Tempur-Pedic. This foam is often infused with formaldehyde resin. The same is usually true for foam pillows.

Bed Sheets

Any sheets that are “wrinkle-free” or “permanent press” are usually

treated with a formaldehyde resin. Since you are spending a third of your life in bed, you probably don’t want to be breathing in carcinogens every time you get snuggly. Instead, you should look for organic bedding. There are plenty of conscious, chemical-free brands out there, though they do tend to cost you a little extra.

Furniture

Formaldehyde is widely used in the glue that holds particle boards together.

Choose furniture made from real wood, or choose used furniture which has likely already off-gassed the bulk of its formaldehyde. And if you’d like to avoid toxic flame retardant chemicals while you’re at it, look for new furniture and read your labels carefully.

Air Fresheners

Artificial fragrances that most of us use in our homes are loaded with chemicals, including formaldehyde. Do you really want to be spraying carcinogens into your bathroom air? Instead, you should opt for natural essential oil-based options, like clean soy or coconut wax candles or wonderful, non-toxic sprays like punny Poo Pourri.

Conventional Nail Polish and Remover

Unless you’re actively buying clean, chemical-free nail polish brands, you

may be inadvertently painting your nails with a cocktail of toxic chemicals. Nail polish contains the highest density of formaldehyde of any consumer products—up to 5%. And the same goes for nail polish remover, which is practically paint stripper. You should Always go the non-toxic route.

Clothing

If your fabric is shrink-resistant (especially wool), color-fast, stain

resistant, or waterproof, it has most likely been treated with a formaldehyde resin.

HOW TO REDUCE FORMALDEHYDE IN YOUR HOME’S INDOOR AIR

Currently, formaldehyde is nearly unavoidable in your daily life. So, take extra precautions around your house to keep your air fresh.

Keeping your house low-humidity, freshening the air with open windows for a few minutes each day, and using a quality air purifier that reduces VOCs (volatile organic compounds) like formaldehyde are good practices for you to adopt.

And on the whole, be a more conscious consumer, because sometimes regulation come too late.

This is good information,

but there is something that is not on the list that should be. I once bought a package of frozen fish at Walmart. When I got home I read the label carefully; and guess what was listed on the package ingredients. Yup, Formaldehyde, I guess it is used as a preservative in some packaged foods. I returned that to the store as fast as I could get in my car and drive there. I will NEVER buy that type of product in Walmart again. To me, this is disgusting!

There are many BAD ingredients in much of the products we buy, and that will get worse under the current admin in DC. Greed is running rampant in this country for those in power, and we, the consumer, will suffer for it.

That’s it. I am off my soap box for now. t wasn’t my plan for my post to become political, but it is all tied together.  I only hope you gained useful info from this post…

Have a Great, Healthy Day!