Home is where you spend lots of time. It is a space to relax and bring up your family. Have you heard of Toxic Home Syndrome? It is a syndrome comprising of a collection of illnesses and health conditions related to breathing in toxic air within our own homes. Toxic home syndrome has even been related to cancer and heart disease, so it is really important to lower the amount of toxins found in our home.

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[ctt template=”4″ link=”UcOgI” via=”yes” ]Have you heard of Toxic Home Syndrome? It is a syndrome comprising of a collection of illnesses and health conditions related to breathing in toxic air within our own homes. This article focuses on formaldehyde.[/ctt]

Toxic Home Syndrome – The Facts!

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Once such toxin is formaldehyde and if you have ever asked yourself the question – do you need to wash new sheets? The short answer would be “yes”.

As formaldehyde is used so often these days during the manufacturing process, it is important to research the culprits within your home.

What is formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a compound that is naturally produced by our body, it is naturally occurring in our food and the environment. Formaldehyde is also produced commercially. It is used commercially as it has preserving properties and is most often found in cosmetics – even products designed for use with babies.

Why is formaldehyde a health concern?

Even though formaldehyde occurs naturally, certain products and lifestyle choices can increase the amount of formaldehyde within our environment to an unsafe level. Breathing in formaldehyde can cause breathing difficulties, irritation to the eyes, nose, throat and ultimately cancer. You are more likely to be exposed to formaldehyde at high levels whilst indoors rather than when outside.

People who work in manufacturing industries are likely to be exposed to a higher level of formaldehyde.

What is the cause of formaldehyde levels in the home?

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Formaldehyde is present in an astonishing array of products within our homes. If your home is a fairly new build the levels may be considerably higher. New builds are better insulated, lowering air circulation, thereby increasing levels. Formaldehyde is used in so many products including carpets, home decorating products, wooden floors, laminates, furniture and cleaning products. Gas cookers, open fires and car exhausts all emit formaldehyde as does smoking.  

How to lower levels of formaldehyde in your home

Formaldehyde found in furniture, floors and fabrics stops being emitted after around two years. When buying new furniture look for items that are free from formaldehyde and are not constructed using adhesives that emit the chemical. Wash all new soft furnishings, in fact wash everything before use as formaldehyde may have been used to preserve them. Open plastic packaging from new items outside the home and allow them to “air” before bringing them inside.  

To lower the levels of formaldehyde already in the home, open the windows daily to allow the air to be refreshed. Never allow anyone to smoke in your home as even passive smoke is a risk. When purchasing cleaning products and toiletries, check that they are free from formaldehyde. Although the levels of formaldehyde is regulated in cosmetics in some countries, it is often still present. Small levels can build up over time.

Take action today to preserve your own and your family's health.

This is a contributed post.

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