In a June 2004 press release, the IARC classified formaldehyde as carcinogenic.
There is sufficient evidence that it causes nasopharyngeal
cancer in humans.
Formaldehyde has been classified as a human carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) by the International Agency
for Research on Cancer and as a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency "Pressed
wood products
containing formaldehyde resins are often a significant source of formaldehyde
in homes."
How
can people limit formaldehyde exposure in their homes? The EPA recommends
the use of “exterior-grade” pressed wood products to limit formaldehyde exposure in the home. Before purchasing
pressed wood products, including building materials, cabinetry, and furniture, buyers should ask about the formaldehyde content
of these products. Formaldehyde levels in homes can also be reduced by ensuring adequate ventilation, moderate temperatures,
and reduced humidity levels through the use of air conditioners and dehumidifiers.
NOTE:
Due to the fact
few formaldehyde tests are done in our area, "fresh" equipment is ordered from the lab. We require at
least a 72 hour notice before test. To provide our clients with the best test we can, we do NOT keep this
test on hand most of the time.
Accuracy
of tests exceeds OSHA standards.
Indoor Sampling normally 35 minutes, 48 hour and 5 to 10 day turnaround times available for lab analysis.
Links of interest:
IARC
National Cancer Institude
EPA
Formaldehyde in Homes
National Cancer
Institute has extensive information concerning the effects of Formaldehyde on humans.
check out their website:
"1. What is formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable, strong-smelling chemical
that is used in building materials and to produce many household products. It is used in pressed-wood products, such as particleboard,
plywood, and fiberboard; glues and adhesives; permanent-press fabrics; paper product coatings; and certain insulation materials.
In addition, formaldehyde is commonly used as an industrial fungicide, germicide, and disinfectant, and …… 2. How is the general population exposed to formaldehyde?
3. What are the short-term health effects of formaldehyde
exposure?
When formaldehyde is present in the air at levels exceeding 0.1 ppm, some
individuals may experience adverse effects such as watery eyes; burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat; coughing; wheezing; nausea; and skin irritation …….. 4. Can formaldehyde cause cancer?……… the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen under
conditions of unusually high or prolonged exposure (1). Since that time, some studies of humans have suggested that formaldehyde exposure is associated with certain types of cancer.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies formaldehyde as a human carcinogen …… 5.
What have scientists learned about the relationship between formaldehyde and cancer?"
Formaldehyde Exposure Associated
With Risk Of Blood And Lymph System MalignanciesScienceDaily (May 14, 2009) — Individuals exposed to relatively higher amounts of formaldehyde had a higher rate
of death due to blood and lymph system malignancies than those exposed to lower levels of formaldehyde in a large cohort study.
