Asthma Linked to Formaldehyde Exposure in Clothing and
Common Household Items
and childhood asthma according to a recent scientific literature
review by researchers Gerald McGwin, Jr., Jeffrey Lienert, and
John I. Kennedy, Jr. Roughly 7% of adults and 9% of children suffer from asthma
in the U.S.
Seven peer-reviewed studies examined data showing an
association between formaldehyde exposure and asthma in children. Many products in the indoor environment emit formaldehyde,
including particle board, urea formaldehyde insulation, carpeting,
and furniture.
Clothing is also treated with formaldehyde.
Mobile travel trailers provided by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) to displaced Gulf Coast residents
have also been shown to contain excessively high levels of
formaldehyde. Exposure to formaldehyde can cause irritation of the eye, nose,
throat and skin.
Chronic exposure, such as that experienced in the home from
treated furniture and carpets, has been linked with cancer and
asthma. Many health care providers and lay people have long seen clinical evidence or suspected the conection between formaldehyde (among many other chemicals) and asthma or other respiratory ailments.
"The results of this study provide important evidence regarding the
potential causal link between formaldehyde and asthma in children,"
says McGwin.
buying organic and untreated clothing.
Wrinkle resistant, stain resistant, and permanent press clothes are
treated with formaldehyde and other potentially toxic chemicals.
As a simple test on new clothing, fill a spray bottle with water and
spray a bit on the garment.
If it absorbs, the formaldehyde level is low.
If it beads up and does not absorb, the formaldehyde level is high. Most furniture is sprayed with potentially toxic chemicals to resist
mold, wrinkles, and stains.
Fire retardants are applied as well.
Look for organic and untreated furniture.
Press wood generally contains a high amount of formaldehyde.
Consider metal and stainless steel options and sew your own
cushions. Bedding which has not been treated with fire retardants can only be
purchased in the U.S. with a prescription from a doctor or
chiropractor.
If a prescription is not obtainable, consider an untreated mattress
wrapped in wool, which meets the fire retardant laws in most states. Formaldehyde can also be found in some childhood vaccinations.
Check the ingredients before vaccinating.
There are often other brands which may have little or no
formaldehyde.
The world is a great place to live. It's even better if we take
precautions to avoid harmful substances. It can be done and rewards
can be reaped.
Dr. Harris Meyer is a San Francisco Chiropractor providing Wellness
Services to address the Physical, Chemical, and Stress causes of
health problems. Contact his office at 415-956-3226.
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