Urea formaldehyde is found in foam insulation that is easily injected or pumped into walls. Health effects occur when urea formaldehyde is released into the air. Some health effects can include damage to the upper respiratory tract, lower respiratory tract disease, and cancer. Exposure to urea formaldehyde can cause watery eyes, nose irritations, wheezing, couching, fatigue, ski rash, severe allergic reactions, nausea, and difficulty breathing. The EPA recommends that people should use "exterior grade" pressed woods products to limit urea formaldehyde exposure in their home.
Bleach can be dangerous in many ways. Although it is a household cleaning product, it should be used with caution. The health risks associated with bleach exposure include damage to your lungs and organs. If you accidentally inhale the fumes, you can feel a sting in your nose and eyes, coughing or lightheadedness. It can cause damage to your skin and eyes and if it is left on the skin, it can burn it. Also, if it gets in your eyes it can cause permanent tissue and vision damage. That is why it is important to wear protective wear when cleaning your house with bleach. EPA recommends even using eye googles when cleaning with bleach.
Hi Snay,
ReplyDeleteI found similar results regarding UFFI and bleach. I did a little research regarding UFFI and I was shocked to read the following results:
In the United States, the Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the sale of UFFI in the United States in 1982, and shortly thereafter a law prohibiting the sale of urea formaldehyde was enacted. In April 1983, the U.S. Court of Appeal struck down the law because there was no substantial evidence clearly linking UFFI to health complaints. UFFI is not widely used in the USA today.
I agree that if we decide to continue using bleach, consumers should wear protecting clothing as a barrier for at least skin contact protection.