Formaldehyde is a colorless that is around us. This gas is said to be a combination of hydrogen, carbon and more. The interesting thing about this material is that it is produced by almost everything that breathes on planet earth. It is largely considered to be an integral part of the metabolism of cells and also present in the air in low quantities.
One of the things which formaldehyde is popular for is its ability to preserve a wide variety of things because of its anti-bacterial properties. This has surely endeared it to many manufacturers and has seen it being used for a variety of purposes.
Despite all this, the use of formaldehyde in products comes with a myriad of side effects.
Why is Formaldehyde bad?
Formaldehyde has many consequences when it is used. Thus, many people have chosen to avoid using it. Here are some of the concerns with using formaldehyde:
1. Formaldehyde can cause cancer
Formaldehyde has been shown in the lab to cause cancer. The National Cancer
2. Formaldehyde IS A Skin irritant
One of the biggest drawbacks of the formaldehyde is its ability to irritate the skin, eyes,
3. Formaldehyde Can cause Coughing
Formaldehyde can be inhaled or taken in through various foods or beverages that have been produced. If it gets in the nose it could lead to coughing. It is also a throat irritant that can also produce coughing.
How does Formaldehyde end up in our products?
Most times, formaldehyde is usually added deliberately to foods and other beverages in a bid to ensure that they do not spoil. Formaldehyde is often used to produce drugs.
Where can you find Formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde can be found in a variety of products. Some of these products can be vaccines that have been manufactured, personal care products and food products that have a risk of spoiling easily.
Formaldehyde is also found in building products such as pressed wood and plywood. Formaldehyde can also be used to make other chemicals which makes it more difficult to determine in end products.
Many hair products can include formaldehyde.
How to recognize Formaldehyde in products?
It is quite easy to know if formaldehyde has been added to a product. There are many words that are used to indicate the presence of the chemical. Keep an eye out for these alternative names used on labels.
- Formalin
- Formic aldehyde
- Methanediol
- Methanal
- Methyl aldehyde
- Methylene glycol
- Methylene oxide
We cannot totally avoid formaldehyde but we can try to reduce our exposure to it.
