The Hidden Danger in Your Wardrobe: Formaldehyde, Yes Formaldehyde Might Be in Your Clothing
What are the Health Risks of Formaldehyde? According to the EPA these are the health concerns:
Respiratory Issues: Acute exposure can cause respiratory symptoms, eye, nose, and throat irritation. Chronic inhalation may lead to more severe respiratory problems.
Skin Reactions: Direct contact can result in skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Cancer Risk: Both human and animal studies have linked formaldehyde exposure to an increased risk of cancers, particularly lung and nasopharyngeal cancer. The EPA classifies it as a probable human carcinogen.
Reproductive Issues: Formaldehyde exposure has been linked to reproductive and developmental health concerns, particularly in women. Studies have observed an increased incidence of menstrual disorders in female workers handling urea-formaldehyde resins. However, it’s important to note that these studies did not fully account for other possible influencing factors. Additionally, research involving hospital equipment sterilizing workers found no direct association between formaldehyde exposure and an increased rate of spontaneous abortions. Animal studies have not shown developmental effects like birth defects due to formaldehyde exposure.