In this Issue: Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde Declared a Human Carcinogen

Reducing Formaldehyde Exposures

Oregonian's Inventive Alternative

In June 2004, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, concluded that formaldehyde is carcinogenic to humans. Previous evaluations, based on a smaller number of studies available at that time, had concluded that formaldehyde was probably carcinogenic to humans.

The IARC found that formaldehyde causes nasopharyngeal cancer in humans. They also found limited evidence for cancer of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses and "strong but not sufficient evidence" for leukemia.

The IARC also found that air concentrations above 0.5-1.0 ppm can cause irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lower airways. In humans, ingestion of formaldehyde can also trigger hemorrhaging in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as cause cardiovascular collapse and convulsions. The Institute of Medicine, in their 2000 book entitled Clearing the Air: Asthma and Indoor Air Exposures, discusses the science linking formaldehyde exposure to asthma.

The National Cancer Institute has a succinct overview of the link between cancer and formaldehyde exposure.

National Cancer Institute Fact Sheet

Greetings!

Welcome to Healthy Environment, Healthy Tomorrow, a service of the Oregon Environmental Council (OEC). Here you will find timely information on the latest science, news and resources on the link between health and the environment.

In this issue, we focus on formaldehyde, an eye, nose and throat irritant, suspected asthma trigger and human carcinogen. Formaldehyde can "off-gas" from many home products, especially new furniture made from particle board and other pressed woods.

·  Reducing Formaldehyde Exposures

Formaldehyde is one of the large family of chemical compounds called volatile organic compounds or 'VOCs'. The term volatile means that the compounds vaporize, that is, become a gas, at normal room temperatures. Formaldehyde serves many purposes in products. It is used in:

• the glue or adhesive in pressed wood products (particleboard, plywood, and medium density fiberboard (MDF))
• some paints, coatings and cosmetics as a preservative (including deodorants and shampoos)
• inks, disinfectants, air and carpet deodorizers
• the coating that provides permanent press quality to fabrics and draperies
• the finish used to coat paper products
• certain insulation materials (urea-formaldehyde foam)

Formaldehyde is also released into the air by burning wood, kerosene or natural gas, by automobiles, and by cigarettes.

Mobile homes, motor homes, and travel trailers are known for high indoor concentrations of formaldehyde since so many of their components tend to be made from particle board or pressed-wood products and they tend to be especially airtight.

Fortunately, there are many ways to limit formaldehyde exposure in the home. For example:

• avoid using pressed wood products if possible
• ask about formaldehyde content of products before purchase
• ensure adequate ventilation
• reduce humidity levels through the use of dehumidifiers and air conditioners (high humidity levels can promote off-gassing)

The California Air Resources Board has other specific suggestions.

In addition, the U.S. Consumer Safety Commission published a booklet entitled "An Update on Formaldehyde," which identifies where people come in contact with formaldehyde, how it might affect health, and how to reduce formaldehyde exposure.

Click here to link to the US Consumer Safety Commission publication

·  Oregonian's Inventive Alternative

Kaichang Li, an associate professor in the Wood Science and Engineering Department at Oregon State University in Corvallis, developed a new, non-toxic alternative to formaldehyde adhesives. The new adhesive uses soy protein, manufactured to resemble the protein that allows mussels to cling to rocks.

Portland-based Columbia Forest Products, the largest producer of decorative plywood in the country, recently announced that it would switch completely to the soy-based alternative within a year. The new adhesive is cost-comparable to formaldehyde-based adhesives.

The journal Environmental Health Perspectives highlighted this exciting Oregon innovation in its August 2005 issue.

Link to article in Environmental Health Perspectives