The Culprits
The chemical with the greatest human exposure is . It is found in urea-fromaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI), and particle board or pressed wood products. Many consumer paper products have it as well, such as grocery bags, waxed papers, facial tissues and paper towels. These products give off formaldehyde because they are treated with urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin. This resin is used as a stiffener, wrinkle resister, water repellant, fire retardant, and adhesive binder in floor coverings, carpet backing, and permanent-press clothes. Other sources of UF include many common household cleaning agents, cigarette smoke and heating and cooking fuels such as natural gas and kerosene.
Side Effects include irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and throat. Formaldehyde combines with protein and can cause allergic contact dermatitis. The most widely reported symptoms from exposure to high levels include irritation of the upper respiratory tract and eyes and headaches. It also causes asthma. The EPA has recently linked a rare throat cancer with long-time occupancy of mobile homes. The main suspect in the cause is formaldehyde which is found in higher concentrations in mobile homes than any other buildings. This is the problem with the FEMA trailers Hurricane Katrina victims are living in. There are high levels of Formaldehyde in them. Formaldehyde is considered a cancer-causing substance by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.
formaldehyde
It is a commonly used solvent and is found in many basic everyday items such as gasoline, oils, inks, paints, plastics and rubber. It is also used in the manufacture of detergents, explosives, pharmaceuticals and dyes.
Side effects include skin and eye irritation. Chronic exposure at low levels causes headaches, loss of appetite, drowsiness, nervousness, psychological disturbances, and diseases of the blood system, including anemia and bone marrow disease. Benzene has been shown to cause mutations in cells, adversely affect growth and development of embryos, and a carcinogen in some tests. Benzene may also be a contributing factor in disrupting chromosomal content in cells causing genetic conditions, and may be linked to leukemia in humans. Repeated skin contact causes drying, inflammation, blistering, and dermatitis. Inhalation of high levels has been reported to cause dizziness, weakness, euphoria, headache, nausea, burred vision, respiratory diseases, tremors, irregular heartbeat, liver and kidney damage, paralysis, and unconsciousness. In animal tests inhalation led to cataract formation, and diseases of the blood and lymphatic systems.
Benzene
It is a commercial product with a wide variety of industrial uses. Over 90 percent of TCE produced is used in metal degreasing and dry-cleaning industries. It is also used in printing inks, paints, lacquers, varnishes and adhesives
side effects the National Cancer Institute considers TCE a potent liver carcinogen.
Trichloroethylene (TCE)
