M4.2 - National Library ToxNet

There are many health effects that are associated with the exposures to Urea Formaldehyde and Bleach.

Urea Formaldehyde, which is commonly used in building materials such as glues in plywood and pressed-board products, is one of the most studies volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The resource that I read said that a study found increases in childhood asthma associated with formaldehyde levels, as well as severe allergic sensitization, respiratory symptoms, and wheezing. "The AOEC states that formaldehyde is an asthmagen in occupational environments, and the CHE found good evidence associating formaldehyde with allergic asthma"

Bleach, which is a very common household chemical cleaning product, is a chlorine releasing agent used to disinfect and sterilize surfaces and equipment to eliminate pathogens. However it presents a variety of human and environmental concerns. "Exposure to chlorine gas can lead to ocular irritant and burns. Skin exposure can cause irritation, pain, erythema, blister and burns. Liquid chlorine on contact can burn the skin and eyes. Initially the irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, followed by coughing and wheezing, dyspnea, sputum production and chest pain."

Resources
https://noharm.org/sites/default/files/lib/downloads/cleaners/Risks_to_Asthma_Guide.pdf

https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/a?dbs+hsdb:@term+@DOCNO+206

Comments

  1. Rudi HernandezSeptember 23, 2018 at 8:26 PM

    Hi Matt!
    Yeah bleach is so common I have 2 jugs of it. I use it to clean everything and I got the habit from my mom. lol. I will be more careful when using it though because the skin exposure causing irritation freaks me out. Great post! thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Angela GSeptember 26, 2018 at 11:48 AM

    Hi Matt,

    Thank you for your clear post! I learned a lot about formaldehyde, that it is a VOC associated with asthma. I'm not surprised :(
    It's wild how bleach is so effective in cleaning but also so damaging to health. Double edged sword!

    ReplyDelete

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