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The amount of products that use formaldehyde somewhere in the process is staggering. From glues used for wood (floors) to fabric softening (carpets, baby clothe
by mtanski 12y ago
The amount of products that use formaldehyde somewhere in the process is staggering. From glues used for wood (floors) to fabric softening (carpets, baby clothes), inks, building materials.
This is a much bigger deal if you live in a "energy efficient" home that has very little heat/cold leakage. Modern insulation, fancy windows, HVACs that recycle indoor air contribute to this problem. Some of these products like floors will be off gassing for years while you live in the hermetic bubble of your home.
Source: my wife worked for a niche material company that was a big importer of bamboo wood. They sold everything from bamboo floors to plywood.
They generally tried to not use formaldehyde glues and bonding agents but it's hard to to police it. Their suppliers from China would cut corners or try to boost their profits. When caught they would stop for a while and then resume later on.
- mtanski 12y agoI had neighbors who wanted to make sure when the hallway was being painted they only used low VOC paint. They were somewhat offended when I told them the carpet they put uses a bonding agent that will off gas for years or they their children clothes were softened with formaldehyde.