| There is good reason to believe that formaldehyde is | | | | cosmetics, synthetic fibers, paper, pressed wood |
| extremely dangerous to our health and the health of | | | | products, furniture, dyes, glues/adhesives, permanent |
| our children. Recently, the US Centers for Disease | | | | press fabrics and embalming fluid. Formaldehyde is a |
| Control and Prevention (CDC) found that high levels | | | | colorless, flammable, strong smelling gas compound |
| of formaldehyde were present in trailers made | | | | (HCHO) recognized as a carcinogen; meaning it |
| available to the victims of Hurricane Katrina by the | | | | causes cancer. According to the National Cancer |
| US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), | | | | Institute (NCI), when formaldehyde is present in the |
| and that it posed a health concern. A review of | | | | air at levels exceeding 0.1ppm, some individuals may |
| medical records in November by the Children's Health | | | | experience health effects such as watery eyes, |
| Fund, has reignited concerns about the health of the | | | | burning sensation in the eyes, nose and throat, |
| children living in the FEMA trailers. The report indicated | | | | coughing, wheezing, nausea and skin irritations. Some |
| that children living in such trailers may have had more | | | | people are very sensitive to formaldehyde, while |
| colds, allergies and skin irritations, as well as | | | | others have no reaction to the same level of |
| developmental and behavioral problems. More than | | | | exposure. |
| 40% of the children were diagnosed with upper | | | | Therefore, even if you do not live in a FEMA trailer, |
| respiratory infections and disorders that may have | | | | you and your family may still be exposed to unsafe |
| been the result of formaldehyde fumes from the | | | | levels of formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a natural |
| glue in building materials of the trailers. These children | | | | product of many metabolic processes and |
| also suffered twice the rate of anemia as children in | | | | consequently, cannot be avoided completely. But it |
| New York City homeless shelters. | | | | can limited by knowing its sources and reducing your |
| However, formaldehyde is used in many other | | | | exposure to them. |
| products, as well. Formaldehyde is used to make | | | | |