CONSUMER PRODUCTS EMIT MORE FORMALDEHYDE
Wood floor and cabinet finishes, permanent press clothing and draperies, and
fingernail polish and hardeners may release significantly higher amounts of
formaldehyde than previously thought. Formaldehyde is a toxic air contaminant
that may be carcinogenic in humans. Low level exposure to formaldehyde can
cause irritation of the eyes and mucous membranes. Long-term exposure can lead
to respiratory problems and eczema. The study tested 55 products commonly found
in homes. They included so-called "dry" products, such as pressed-wood
products, decorative laminates, and permanent press fabrics — all of which
emit formaldehyde at a steady rate, and "wet" products including paint,
wallpaper, fingernail hardener, and floor finishes that produce peak emissions
right after application then less emissions as the product dries.
The highest emissions come from acid-cured floor and cabinet finishes which are
almost always applied commercially, not by homeowners. Although emissions were
highest when the product was wet, even after 24 hours of drying, each coat
emitted (formaldehyde) at a steady rate that was 5 to 10 times higher than
emissions from the very worst wood product. Certain cosmetics, such as nail
polish and nail hardeners, also emit the chemical. Although they are used in
small quantities and are not spread throughout the home as are wood finishes.
When you’re applying fingernail polish or hardener, you’re doing it right in
front of your face where you’re breathing. You could be getting a greater
exposure than you’d expect. Similarly, although latex wall paint does not rate
as high as wood finishes, people are close to the walls and breathing the fumes
as they paint. Permanent press clothing also scored high, but washing the items
reduced further emissions. "We tested a bunch of brand new permanent press
shirts right out of the package. After washing them once, the emissions went
down about 60%.
Environmental Science & Technology January 1, 1999.