Formaldehyde Remover (Ocean) a spray solution that instantly absorbs, breaks down, and removes formaldehyde, the primary cause of "sick-house syndrome." It decomposes any formaldehyde present in building interiors with remarkable speed. Moreover, it continues to do so for remarkably long. A single spray directly to fabrics that emit formaldehyde will continue to break down formaldehyde for 3 months. Wash and re-spray after 3 months to continue to protect your family from formaldehyde.
What is formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is a colorless and flammable gas with a distinct odor detectable at very low concentrations. It is a volatile organic compound (VOC) that causes cancer and other harmful health effects.1 Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring chemical; our bodies even produce small amounts of formaldehyde. However, at high concentrations, formaldehyde vapors are dangerous.
The most common health problems in people exposed to formaldehyde include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Formaldehyde may cause occupational asthma, but this seems to be rare. Animal studies have shown that inhalation of formaldehyde can result in irritation and damage to the lining of the nose and throat.
What are the health effects of formaldehyde in indoor air?
Formaldehyde causes cancer.1,2 Evidence shows formaldehyde can cause a rare cancer of the nasopharynx, which is the upper part of the throat behind the nose.
Formaldehyde irritates the nose, eyes, and throat. These irritations can happen at low levels of formaldehyde, especially in people who are especially sensitive to the odors.1,2 Other short-term effects include headache, runny nose,nausea and difficulty breathing.3 Exposure may cause wheezing,asthma attacks and other respiratory symptoms.4
Individuals vary in how they respond to formaldehyde. Some people have a natural allergic sensitivity to airborne formaldehyde and others may develop an allergy as a result of skin contact with liquid formaldehyde.3 Researchers have found that some individuals with asthma are more vulnerable to the effects of inhaled formaldehyde.1
What are the sources of formaldehyde indoors?
Many industries use formaldehyde. It is used to produce wood, paper, plywood, glues and adhesives, permanent press fabrics, some paints and coatings, and certain insulation materials. It is also found in many consumer products, including cosmetics, dish soaps, medicines, leather treatments and fabric softeners.4
Formaldehyde is present both indoors and outdoors. However, formaldehyde levels are usually much higher indoors. Because formaldehyde is volatile, which means it evaporates easily, it is released into the air from many products inside the home. High humidity and high temperatures speed up the release of formaldehyde.
Smoking indoors produces high concentrations of formaldehyde. Burning wood products,fuel, paper and other products is also an important source of formaldehyde.
References
1. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). Tox FAQs for Formaldehyde. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service. 2011. Accessed August 26, 2015.
2. California Air Resources Board (CARB). Report to the California Legislature: Indoor Air Pollution in California.Sacramento, CA: California Environmental Protection Agency. 2005.
3. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). Revised Health Consultation –Formaldehyde Sampling at FEMA Temporary Housing Units - Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Atlanta,GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service. 2007.
4. Institute of Medicine, Division of Health Promotion, Indoor Air and Disease Prevention. Clearing the Air: Asthma and Indoor Air Exposures. Washington, DC: National Academies Press. 2000; Kanchongkittiphon W, et al. Indoor Environmental Exposures of Asthma: An Update to the 2000 Review by the Institute of Medicine. Environmental Health Perspectives.2015; 123: 6-20.
