It seems almost ironic to discuss Formaldehyde as a killer when one of its main uses is a preserving agent. However, Formaldehyde isn't only found in a morticians travel bag its also found in our own bodies in small amounts as well as produced in for the production of fertilizer, paper, plywood, and resins. Cohort studies of workers in those corresponding fields have shown Formaldehyde to be a carcinogen as well as generally nasty in even minimal doses. Overall Formaldehyde should be avoided if possible but there are very few places that the lay man can access liquid formaldehyde except at a morticians. If you are found working in a job that forces you to encounter formaldehyde the government has issued limits on the amount of time you are permitted on working in such conditions.
For more info.
This was so interesting. It's weird that chemicals that are toxic can be created in our own bodies also. I don't think I'll ever be a mortician though so it's good to know that I'm mostly safe from it.
ReplyDelete