What does formaldehyde do to your body?

When formaldehyde is present in the air at levels exceeding 0.1 ppm, some individuals may experience adverse effects such as watery eyes; burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat; coughing; wheezing; nausea; and skin irritation.

Why is formaldehyde toxic?

The exact mechanism of action of formaldehyde toxicity is not clear, but it is known that it can interact with molecules on cell membranes and in body tissues and fluids (e.g., proteins and DNA) and disrupt cellular functions. High concentrations cause precipitation of proteins, which results in cell death.

What exactly is formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling, flammable chemical that is produced industrially and used in building materials such as particleboard, plywood, and other pressed-wood products.

Is formaldehyde bad for the lungs?

At low levels, breathing in formaldehyde can cause eye, nose and throat irritation. At higher levels, formaldehyde exposure can cause skin rashes, shortness of breath, wheezing and changes in lung function.

Why is formaldehyde used in beauty products?

“In beauty products, formaldehyde is used as a preservative to prolong shelf life and prevent bacterial contamination,” says Steinmetz. Common formaldehyde releasers that you are likely to see in a product include: DMDM hydantoin, methylene glycol, quaternium 15, and 3 dioxane, just to name a few.

What food contains formaldehyde?

However, formaldehyde is naturally produced in a wide variety of food items, such as: fruits and vegetables, meats, fish, crustacean and dried mushroom as a common metabolic by-product [23].

Is formaldehyde in skincare safe?

Personal care products that contain formaldehyde make an unnecessary contribution to an individual’s exposure to this chemical – particularly since research shows that cosmetic products can release small amounts of formaldehyde into the air shortly after they are applied. Formaldehyde is most dangerous when inhaled.