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- Stefanie Uhlert
Formaldehyde limit indoors: The invisible danger to your health
Introduction - Why is formaldehyde dangerous indoors?
Formaldehyde is dangerous indoors because it's a fairly common component in many of the materials we find in our homes. It is a colorless gas produced when kerosene, wood or other organic materials are burned. It is also used in the manufacture of plastics, textiles, paper, paints and glues. Formaldehyde can also be a by-product of the production of heating oil or gas. It can enter the room in our home due to poor ventilation or the use of certain products. If inhaled, it can cause headaches, difficulty breathing, eye irritation, and other symptoms. It can also trigger allergic reactions, which can be serious
Definition: What is formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is a colourless, toxic and extremely volatile compound. It is a common by-product of burning hydrocarbons such as gasoline, diesel or wood. It is often used as a preservative in the food industry to preserve food. It can also be found in solvent based products, glues and paints. Formaldehyde can be absorbed through inhalation, through the skin and through ingestion of food. Long-term exposure to formaldehyde can lead to a variety of health problems, including respiratory diseases, allergic reactions, cancer, and damage to the immune system. Therefore, people who are exposed to formaldehyde daily need it
Sources of formaldehyde indoors and how it accumulates there
Formaldehyde is a toxic gas that is commonly found indoors. It comes from many different sources, including contaminated materials used to build homes and certain cleaning and disinfecting products. It can also be released by burning fuel oil, wood and coal. Indoors, formaldehyde can result from reactions between different chemicals. It can also accumulate on the surfaces of walls, furniture, carpets, and other surfaces, especially in poorly ventilated areas. It is therefore important to ventilate regularly to reduce the concentration of formaldehyde in the interior. It is also important to regulate air quality.
How is the limit value for indoor formaldehyde determined?
The limit value for formaldehyde indoors is determined on the basis of the generally recognized safety standards (ARS) and the EU directive. This directive specifies the maximum concentration of formaldehyde that is permitted indoors. The limit value is determined by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and is based on the current scientific knowledge about the effects of formaldehyde on human health. The limit value is usually given in the form of ppm (parts per million) or mg/m³. It may vary depending on location, interior type and other factors. In any case, the respective legal regulations and the ECHA directive must be followed in order to have a healthy and safe space
What are the health effects of formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is a chemical found in many everyday products such as pesticides, paints, cosmetics and cleaning products. It poses a serious health risk as it can lead to a variety of symptoms ranging from an uncomfortable skin rash to serious breathing problems and even cancer. With long-term exposure to formaldehyde, people can develop respiratory diseases, kidney damage, or even leukemia. In the short term, formaldehyde can cause coughing, sneezing, eye irritation, headache, nausea and vomiting. It can also impair immune function, leading to increased susceptibility to infections and other diseases.
What can you do to lower the formaldehyde limit indoors?
There are many different ways to lower the formaldehyde limit indoors. First, it is important to identify and eliminate the sources of formaldehyde. This includes furniture, carpets, cleaning products, paint and other products that contain formaldehyde. If possible, they should be removed and replaced. Air purifiers can also help reduce levels of formaldehyde in the air. The windows should be opened regularly to let in fresh air. It is also important that humidity levels are checked regularly, as excessive humidity encourages additional formaldehyde production. In addition, plants can
Conclusion - Why is it important to lower the formaldehyde limit indoors?
Lowering the limit of formaldehyde indoors is crucial as this chemical is a strong allergen and a known carcinogen. Formaldehyde is a hazardous substance released from a variety of sources including building materials, plastics and chemicals used for cleaning purposes. Short-term effects range from headaches, eye and respiratory problems to dizziness and nausea. Long-term exposure can lead to serious health problems, including respiratory system disorders, cancer, and allergic reactions.
