What’s On the Label & What’s Not
By Lauren Birtwhistle |
Thinking back to your high school or college biology classes, you may recall the not-so-subtle fumes of formaldehyde lingering around the school’s laboratory. Aside from the foul stench, this chemical is capable of causing a lot more damage then you may realize.
Why is this chemical so dangerous? Perhaps it is because of how often we come in contact with it in our every day lives. Formaldehyde is not just in labs. Here is a list of some of the most common products containing the chemical:
• Pressed wood products
• Carpets
• Combustion appliances
• Cigarettes
• Clothing (to bind pigments, as a fire retardant, to create stiffness, water repelling and wrinkle resistance)
• Grocery bags
• Cosmetics
• Paper products (paper cups, paper towels, napkins facial tissue)
• Vaccines
Spotting the chemical may be difficult. Pay attention to labels and do not just look for “formaldehyde”, but formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. One of the most common names for a formaldehyde-releasing preservative to look for is Quaternium-15. Other formaldehyde-releasing preservatives include:
• Bromonitropropane diol (Bronopol)
• Diazolidinyl Urea (Germall II)
• DMDM Hydantoin (Glydant)
• Tris (Hydroxymethyl) Nitromethane (Tris Nitro)
This colorless gas can take a toll on many different parts of the body. Effects can be caused by inhalation or contact with the chemical, even in low doses. Symptoms include irritated eyes and respiratory system, headaches, rashes, hives, dizziness, nausea, and chronic fatigue. Some less common symptoms of formaldehyde exposure are heart palpitations, ear infections, trouble sleeping, memory loss, trouble focusing, depression, weakness, migraines, abdominal pain, aching joints and muscles, and difficulty breathing.
One of the biggest concerns and a very controversial topic is the use of formaldehyde in vaccines. Visit http://www.informedchoice.info/cocktail.html for a list of common vaccines and their ingredients. You may be surprised at how many list formaldehyde as an ingredient.
According to Hauptmann et al, in the American Journal of Epidemiology, “Concerns about the presence of formaldehyde are based on its toxicological profile and suggestions that it may act as a carcinogen. Although industrial exposure to formaldehyde may be associated with certain cancers, cancer risk has not been fully established and may relate to degree of exposure.”
There is conflicting information about formaldehyde all across the internet. But with a chemical that is so common in consumer goods, any questioning leaves room for concern.
References:
1. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/54551/how_to_protect_yourself_
from_the_dangers.html
2. http://www.skinandaging.com/article/5158#
3. Hauptmann M, Lubin JH, Stewart PA, et al. Mortality from solid cancers among workers in formaldehyde industries. Am J Epidemiol 2004; 159: 1117-1130
4. http://ohioline.osu.edu/cd-fact/0198.html
