National Library ToxNet
Urea Formaldehyde:
Formaldehyde is a common toxin found in many products. Combined with Urea, Formaldehyde is used as an agricultural pesticide, and slow-release nitrogen fertilizer for farming and gardening. Formaldehyde is also found in building materials, such as insulation, glues, and wood-pressed wood products. In addition, it is found in tobacco and fuel products, preservatives, and disinfectants.
Formaldehyde can cause a wide range of negative health effects, regardless of the time and dose of exposure. The primary route of exposure is through inhalation, or direct skin absorption contact. Small dose and acute exposures can cause allergic reactions, such as skin irritation and respiratory distress. In larger dose, acute exposures, anaphylaxis and death may occur. Formaldehyde is also a carcinogen, which has been shown to be associated with cancer of the nasopharynx, leukemia, and sinonasal cancer. Also, Formaldehyde has also been shown to inhibit the repair of DNA.
In studies which have investigated chronic exposures to Formaldehyde in women, it has been shown to cause sterility, menstrual disorders, anemia, and low-birth weights. Those workers who may experience chronic exposures to Formaldehyde include hospital, mortuary, and construction workers.
Bleach:
Bleach is a commonly used disinfectant, and is used as a water and sewage purifier. The chemicals which make up bleach include Chlorine, Sodium Hypochlorite, Hydrogen Peroxide, and Calcium Hypochlorite, the active component of Bleach. Exposure occurs through inhalation and direct skin contact. Exposures can cause irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, and throat, shortness of breath, cardiac and respiratory arrest, and death. Also, the chemical ingredient of Bleach, Sodium Hypochlorite, can cause corrosion of the skin, Methemoglobinemia and anemia
Formaldehyde can cause very serious adverse side effects. Not only was I exposed to formaldehyde during dissection labs, but several of my skin care products also contain formaldehyde releasers! It seems unethical for common products to contain such dangerous chemicals. Did any of your skin care products contain formaldehyde releasers?
ReplyDeleteFormaldehyde is such a toxic material, but it is found in many places such as garden, building and tobacco. We can easily get this through inhalation or even with skin contact as you mentioned. I am wondering how much I had been exposed by the formaldehyde. Regarding bleach, I guess I am already exposed by it a lot. I have been using the cosmetic that helps for brightening. The product contains some amount of bleach. Even though I knew that would not be good on my health, I still use them because of their dramatic effect. However, I am asking myself, “what is more worth? Brighter skin color? Or healthier body?”
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