Additional concerns: regarding formaldehyde

[Guest guest]

Dr. Thrasher, I am not sure if they are pressed-wood cabinets ( which is a

source of formaldehyde vapor). All though am I correct in saying that

pressed-wood products coated with polyurethane or laminates should reduce

formaldehyde emissions, (they seem to have a coating on them). I should also

maintain moderate temperatures and humidity, which is hard especially in warm

weather, my humidity levels are usually very high being on the 6th floor even

with the floor portable air conditioner/dehumidifier. This does cool off the

apartment to a comfortable level, but humidity still stays high and am emptying

the dehumidifier quite often. So therefore, I don't know if there is a

formaldehyde vapor from cabinets and adhesive they used with carpet when the

humidity levels are high. Or does the vapor go away with time, and am I right

in saying that a higher humidity would produce more vapors. Also, I am curious

on how one would distinguish from mold illness and formaldehyde illness.

Darlene

---------------------------------

Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now.

[Guest guest]

Darlene: you have raised some excellent questions. I will answer them one at a

time. Generally, cabinets are made from medium density fiber board for the

shelving. Many years ago thye used particle board. Depending upon the source

of the fabricated wood products they were glued to gether with either or both

ureaformaldehyde or phenolformaldehyde resins. The ureaformaldehyde resin is

very unstable and easily hydrolyzes at room temperature and elevated humidity

releasing formaldehyde. Phenolformaldehyde is very stable and releases very

small amount of formaldehyde. One can test for formaldehyde. Kits are available

for formaldehyde testing via the internet. There is available a relatively

inexpensive passive monitor. The are hung from the ceiling, door jam, etc.

allowed to gather the gas and then are sent to a laboratory for analysis. The

amount of formaldehyde decreases with time. The major part of releasing occurs

in the first two years of product life. The coating on the surface of the board

does cause a reduction in the amount of formaldehyde that is released.

Distinguishing between the two illnesses is the difficult part. Also, you must

know that microbial growth (mold and bacteria) also produce formaldehyde and

other aldehydes that are part of MVOC. A detailed health and exposure history

would have to be taken in attempt to distinguish between the two. Also, it

would probably be necessary to test for the presence of mycotoxins, urine and

mold in sinuses. Me for one I would probably have to accept that presence of

the two and clearly state that both exposures are contributing to the illness.

IIlness from formaldehyde took years to be acceped and is no longer disputed.

Look where mold exposure is today. Jack D. Thrasher, Ph.D.