Lung Problems Caused by Formaldehyde

In the 1970s urea formaldehyde foam was a popular choice to use for insulation of buildings and homes. Exposure to formaldehyde has long been associated with certain diseases and conditions, such as lung problems. In 1982, the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission banned the use of formaldehyde in consumer products in order to help lower the average citizen's exposure risk.

Function

• Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a strong smell. Formaldehyde is used as a chemical intermediate in agriculture, photography and wood preservation. Formaldehyde is sometimes used in the manufacturing of concert and plaster additives, cosmetics, disinfectants, building materials, glues, adhesives, paper product coating and pressed wood products. It is also used as a preservative in mortuaries and medical labs and added to industrial fungicide and germicides.

Exposure

• The most common way to become exposed to formaldehyde is by breathing contaminated air. Indoor air becomes contaminated by building materials and home furnishing that contain formaldehyde. You may also risk exposure when using non-vented fuel burning appliances. Outdoor air is contaminated by fumes from power plants, manufacturing facilities, incinerators and auto exhaust emissions. Smokers are exposed to formaldehyde through their cigarettes. Workers in areas that use formaldehyde are at a higher risk for exposure. These include industrial workers, laboratory technicians, some health-care professionals and mortuary employees.

Non-cancerous Effects

• Formaldehyde is highly toxic when inhaled and can cause problems in your lungs. Short-term problems include coughing, wheezing, chest pains and bronchitis. Irritation to your lungs can go away and symptoms can improve if your exposure to formaldehyde is for only a short period of time. If you are exposed to formaldehyde for a long period of time or on a frequent basis you may develop chronic non-cancerous respiratory symptoms. These symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest pain.

Cancerous Effects

• Exposure to formaldehyde increases your risk of developing all types of lung cancer. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers formaldehyde to be a probable human carcinogen. This means that the EPA believe that exposure to formaldehyde can cause lung, nasal, sinus, nasopharygeal and brain cancer. Constant irritation to your lungs due to formaldehyde can cause the cells to mutate and become cancerous.

Prevention/Solution

• Limit your exposures to formaldehyde. Use exterior grade pressed wood products. Ask about formaldehyde levels before you buy building materials. Make sure there is proper ventilation when using fuel burning appliances or when using chemicals. Cut back or stop smoking. Keep your house at a moderate temperature and reduce the humidity level by using an air conditioner or dehumidifier.