Last month a report was published claiming the air indoors is up to three times more polluted than the air outside.
One of the big indoor polluters is Formaldehyde. A colorless, strong smelling gas that can be found in a variety of household items. Cosmetics, furnishings, particleboard, plywood, fiberboard, glues and adhesives, paper products and insulation can all contain Formaldehyde. These materials release the gas into the air, where it can easily be inhaled.
Some people are more sensitive to Formaldehyde than others. Exposure can cause sore throats, rhinitis, nasal irritation and breathlessness. Formaldehyde has also been linked to leukemia and brain cancer.
It is not a pollutant you want in your home. So how can you reduce your exposure to Formaldehyde? Do your research. Before you buy any pressed wood products, such as furniture or building materials, ask about the formaldehyde content. Use ‘exterior grade’ pressed wood, as this gives off less Formaldehyde. Keep your home a smoke free zone, tobacco smoke contains high levels of formaldehyde. Beware, Formaldehyde can be listed under other names, such as Formalin or Methanal. You can find a full list here.
Our Austin Air HealthMate® Plus effectively removes Formaldehyde and other chemicals from the home. Its broad-spectrum adsorption makes it the number one choice for people at risk of Formaldehyde exposure. For more info on the Austin Air HealthMate® Plus click here.
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/formaldehyde.html
