Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable, strong-smelling chemical.
Uses: used in pressed-wood products, such as particle board, 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 as a preservative in mortuaries and medical laboratories.
Found in: cosmetics, disinfectants, fumigants, air fresheners, floor polishes, liquid fabric softeners, and wood preservation. Perhaps most commonly found in building materials, and over time will emit gas into the air (known as off-gasing). Smoking is another source of formaldehyde.
In its natural state, it can be found in the human body.
Effects: Acute: difficulty breathing, nausea, dizziness, tissue damage of the eyes, skin, lungs, and throat is a major effect of exposure, either by inhalation or swallowing. The severity of the damage will reflect the extent of the exposure. Chronic: currently listed on the 12th Report on Carcinogens by the US Department of Health and Human Services to be known to or reasonably anticipated to cause cancer.
