M 4.2 National Library ToxNet

Urea formaldehyde is a thermosetting resin or polymer produced form urea and formaldehyde. It is used in adhesives and building materials. It is commonly used in foam for housing insulation. Toxicity from this insulation is related to release of free formaldehyde into the home. Mild to incapacitating symptoms including headaches, dizziness, and nausea have been reported in occupants of urea formaldehyde-insulated homes. Exposure can come from ventilation, manufacturing, or during installation. Other places it can be found include dry cleaning chemicals, paper products, no-iron fabrics, diapers, pillow cases, gas appliances, and more. The Formaldehyde is the main health risk because exposure above a certain amount is bad and can cause cancer.Ambient formaldehyde levels in houses are typically .03 to .04 parts per million. By comparison, typical levels in the smoking section of a cafeteria are 0.16 ppm. Houses with new carpeting can also reach these levels. The rate at which formaldehyde gasses are released from materials into the air depends on temperature and humidity. The higher the humidity levels and the higher the temperature, the more gas is likely to be released.

Bleach is a household cleaning product used for cleaning and laundry. It contains the chemical sodium hypochlorite and sodium hydroxide. There are different grades of bleach including household bleach and industrial grade bleach products. Bleach itself when used properly is non-toxic to humans but when you mix it with other cleaners especially that contain ammonia like (like Windex or toilet cleaners). It will create chlorine gas- a lethal bio weapon and asphyxiant. It can cause even more bodily damage if ingested in lethal doses. When chlorine gas contacts moist tissues, such as eyes or lungs, hydrochloric acid (HCl) results. This acid is a digestive molecule and damages tissue. It will cause damage to the airways, asphyxiation, and can result in death

Comments

  1. I think it is really interesting that temperature impacts how toxic products can be or how many gases they release. This makes me think back to when we were talking about environmental justice, and how those that have lower quality cooling systems could be disproportionately impacted by these toxins.

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