Formaldehyde, also known as methanal, is an organic compound which is naturally occurring. Formaldehyde can be described as a bit more complicated compared to other simple carbon compounds because it is able to adopt in numerous different forms. The most common form is in gas. Under this form, formaldehyde is flammable and has a strong odor.
WHERE FORMALDEHYDE IS FOUND
Formaldehyde can be found in resins for composite wood products (particleboard, hardwood plywood and medium-density fiberboard), household items (paints, lacquers, coating, glues and permanent press fabrics), pesticides or fertilizers and also in consumer and cosmetic products like fabric softeners and dish washing liquids as preservatives.
This compound is also present in clothes since it is used to prevent wrinkles and mildew. It may be quite useful in preserving clothing materials since it can also increase stain resistance and colorfastness. Unfortunately, the presence of formaldehyde in clothes can cause problems for people.
ISSUES WITH FORMALDEHYDE
Here are some reasons why formaldehyde is not as good as it seems:
1. Formaldehyde is considered toxic in various countries
Formaldehyde is considered as a human carcinogen as declared by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Countries such as the US and Canada have declared this material as toxic.
2. Research proves dangers attached to formaldehyde
A recent study conducted by the US Environmental Protection Agency has revealed that the highest levels of formaldehyde can be detected in the air which is often released from popular consumer products like building materials and furnishings as well as in cleaning products.
A person who is exposed to airborne formaldehyde may experience respiratory problems like chest pains, bronchitis, coughing and wheezing.
3. Some people have known sensitivity to this carbon compound
People who are extremely sensitive to formaldehyde will experience nasty side effects even with low level exposure. Patients have reported dermatitis (skin rash or skin irritation) and runny nose or headache when they come in contact with products which contain formaldehyde.
Small amounts or minimal exposure to formaldehyde may not be as risky or toxic but people who are highly sensitive may be able to experience a number of side effects which can be quite serious or even debilitating in extreme cases.
The presence of formaldehyde in more items other than clothes can be very troublesome for people who are sensitive to chemicals in general since they will most likely suffer more from the exposure.
4. Ill-effects in general
Formaldehyde is known to cause ill effects to one’s health, even those who aren’t really allergic to the compound. It can cause irritation to the skin, throat, eyes and nose. Prolonged exposure may even result to certain types of cancers for some patients.
5. Long-term effects
Overexposure to this compound, especially for highly sensitive patients may lead to far more serious complications. Patients can possibly experience flu-like symptoms at the start but if the condition is not treated immediately, then it may lead to shock or even stroke.
Chronic or prolonged exposure to formaldehyde through inhaling can also cause severe side effects such as lesions in the lungs as well as labored breathing which can lead to long term damage to the lungs.
6. Pros and cons for clothing
Formaldehyde plays a big role in the clothing industry since it can be used to prevent mildew when transporting as well as minimize the presence of wrinkles. However, a notable number of consumers have reported experiencing headaches and sore throat when wearing new clothes without washing them.
In this case, the best way to minimize formaldehyde exposure is to give your new clothes a quick spin in the washer to get rid of traces of the substance.
7. Dangers to children
Children who may have been exposed to formaldehyde for an extended period of time will likely develop asthma or other similar medical conditions.
Clothing items with excessive formaldehyde is harmful especially to children because of their sensitive skin. Constant contact with such clothing items will cause dermatitis and other similar skin conditions.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST THE NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF FORMALDEHYDE
- Take the time to wash new clothes instead of wearing them right away. This precautionary measure will remove about 60% of formaldehyde from the clothing, which is great news for people with hypersensitive skin.
- Choose clothing made from organic cotton materials such as what we produce here at Cottonique. Buy eco-friendly clothing from our store here!
- Smell the clothing first to check if they emit too much chemical scent.
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Avoid items that are labeled “iron-free,” “wrinkle-free,” “stain resistant” or “permanent press” because there is a big possibility that they contain formaldehyde.
DISCLAIMER: The information presented on Cottonique is not, and will never be, intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content materials found on this site, from text, treatments, outcomes, charts, graphics, photographs, and study findings, are created and published for general informational purposes only. It should not, in any way, be construed as a standard of care to be followed by a user of the website.
Thus, readers are encouraged to verify any information obtained from this website with other accurate references and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with their physician. As Cottonique strives to help those with allergies live with better days, the hypoallergenic apparel brand encourages everyone to always seek the advice of their physician or other qualified health providers with any questions they may have regarding a medical condition.
22 comments
Anna Nim
I just love the people on here who say this Can’t Be True. Fk ya’ll.. just because YOU have no issue, doesn’t mean others don’t.. I am shocked. I thought it was just in new sheets and washed out the first time or two. I had NO idea it was long lasting!!!
Gita Endore
I used to buy Old Navy jeans. Sturdy and inexpensive. Now they have formaldehyde in them. I washed a pair 5 times and put it in the sun and left in in a plastic tub with baking soda, borax and vinegar- all internet suggestions. I took it back to the store. They were reluctant (understatement) to take them back until I showed them a commentary from a gal who worked in Old Navy and had to wash the formaldehyde off her hands every night after work.
I have tried Levis and now LL Bean. Same problem. Don’t know where I’m going to find more jeans which I wear daily.
Lorrie
I have sensitive skin and am highly allergic to pretty much everything in nature. I recently discovered that I am allergic to the formaldehyde (and likely other additives) in clothes specifically from Walmart. I was a huge fan of their tank tops (they sell for $1.68) and wore them under everything, to bed, to my detriment. After eventually breaking out in lesions, I started steaming my clothes to my horror. It all came together when a cashier had to call a supervisor to ring up clothing purchases due to her allergy. I understand that products from China are shipped, warehoused, and cheap. It never occurred to me that formaldehyde, stain resistance, mildew resistance, pesticides, and chemicals for wrinkle free went into the mix. I remember using Dreft on baby clothes- why stop now?! I just wish there were standards, limitations, and more general knowledge like this so we as consumers can make educated choices and minimize risk. Thanks so much!
Charlotte Stowe
I react very badly to clothing from China, intense itching, needle-prick sensations and skin crawling. I’m constantly being told it’s just an allergy to Formaldehyde. I’m convinced there is something in the cotton. Please have a look at my YouTube clip, type in Morgellons bird mites body bugs
You’ll see what I mean
Charlotte Stowe
CJ
John Smith — Commercial formaldehyde is produced principally by the vapour-phase oxidation of methanol and is commonly sold as Formalin — a straight-out petrochemical with major health risks. There is not enough naturally occurring formaldehyde, much less ways to capture it, to use for all the things discussed above.
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