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The Science > Fact Sheet: The Science of Formaldehyde
The Science of Formaldehyde
What is formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is a simple organic compound that exists naturally in the air we breathe, in plants, in some foods and in our blood, and is also an important chemical found in many consumer products.
Because it evaporates so easily, the potential for exposure by most people in the general population is from breathing air. Most commonly, formaldehyde levels in air are measured in parts per million (ppm), reflecting how much of it there is in the air sample being tested. For example, testing in major cities has shown that formaldehyde levels in the outside air can measure up to 0.08 parts per million (ppm).
When we take in formaldehyde, enzymes in our bodies naturally break it down. These enzymes, called formaldehyde dehydrogenases or FDHs, are in every tissue of the human body and work efficiently to break formaldehyde down into a product called formate that then quickly leaves the body through urine. At air levels below 2.0 ppm, these FDHs have proven very effective at processing and removing any formaldehyde we might take in.
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What is it used for?
Formaldehyde is one of the most commonly used chemicals on the planet. It is mainly used for three things: as a chemical intermediary, as a preservative and as an antimicrobial agent or disinfectant.
As a chemical intermediary, or as a chemical that causes other chemicals to react, it is used in the production of some glues, insulation, lubricants, artificial silks, dyes and plastics. It is also used as a disinfectant in some cosmetics, soaps, shampoos, deodorants, lotions and nail products.
At varying levels, formaldehyde is either present in or used to produce many of the products we use every day. It is found when wood is burned, in tobacco smoke, in natural gas and is even found in permanent press clothes.
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Why is it in RVs?
Virtually all glues used in making wood products (specifically hardwood plywood, particle board and medium density fiberboard) contain formaldehyde. These woods are used as flooring, paneling, cabinets, furniture, countertops and other components of buildings, houses, manufactured homes and recreation vehicles (RVs). Formaldehyde’s use in treating permanent press fabrics means it also may be found in clothes and curtains.
While almost all of the formaldehyde used in making these products is consumed during the manufacturing process, a very small amount remains. Studies have shown that this leftover formaldehyde dissipates over time as it works its way out of the wood products.
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Is it dangerous? / How does it affect people?
There’s strong evidence that the human body’s internal chemistry is naturally equipped to process and excrete formaldehyde without harm unless amounts taken in are greater than these protective processes. A very small percentage of the population appears to be particularly sensitive to formaldehyde, not unlike an allergy. For these people, coming in contact with formaldehyde can cause their eyes to water or itch, their nose to run or their throat to feel sore, so we recommend they ventilate their RVs before every trip.
Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, has suggested the following techniques:
- When using consumer products that contain formaldehyde (e.g. cleaners, antiseptics, dish-washing liquids, fabric softeners, carpet cleaners, glues, adhesives and lacquers) do so in rooms that provide fresh outdoor air.
- When using some cosmetics that include high amounts of formaldehyde, such as nail hardeners, avoid doing so in small rooms or ensure plenty of ventilation.
- Because tobacco smoke and exhaust from unvented heaters contain formaldehyde, avoid using these items indoors.
If you think you may have a sensitivity to formaldehyde, it’s best to contact your doctor for advice.
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