M4.2 National ToxNet Library


That was a nicely organized website with great information. I enjoyed learning about the Dose/Response S curve and NOEL specifically, in the toxicology section. I am a big believer in compounding exposures over time that lead to cancer, not necessarily one terrible week or two of exposure to some chemicals/toxicity. One stat that really surprised me was dry cleaning. Unbelievable that 2.2million pounds of perc were drained in to our drinking water/environment. That number today, 10 years later, I am sure has doubled.

For specific searches on urea formaldehyde and bleach on ToxNet, I found the following information below. Bleach is not really considered toxic. However, exposure to bleach can cause irritation to the eyes, mouth, lungs, and skin. Individuals with asthma or other breathing problems are particularly susceptible to having issues. Sodium hydroxide, bleach, can also cause non-allergenic asthma. I recommend finding alternative ways when cleaning. Lemon juice, vinegar, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can all clean in different ways just as well. 

 For urea formaldehyde, this was a product used in building homes. Pressed wood, particleboard, plywood and fiberboard were all variations. It is also used in plugs, glues, and adhesives. Exposure to urea formaldehyde can result in upper and lower respitory irritation, hair discoloration, eye irritation and has been shown to cause cancer in the nasopharynx area (nose/throat). Finally, formaldehyde is also naturally occurring which I did not know. It is produced in small amounts by most living organisms as part of normal metabolic processes.


Comments

  1. Sandy TanSeptember 21, 2018 at 9:52 AM

    Hi Dan,
    Great short report on urea formaldehyde. My dad's occupation is construction, so it worries me that there is a huge possibility that he is being exposed to this chemical. He has not mention having respiratory irritation, so I take that as a good sign. I am interested in learning more about this chemical.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hugo FGSeptember 23, 2018 at 9:49 PM

    Hi Dan,
    Thanks for this informative post. It seems like urea formaldehyde is present in a lot more places than I thought, so our exposure is way higher than expected. I wonder how many people suffer from these symptoms and just have no idea that its the urea formaldehyde in their houses structures that's making them sick.

    ReplyDelete

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