(Formaldehyde, Pesticides, Solvents, Cleaning Agents)
Key Signs/Symptoms
  • Conjunctival irritation
  • Nose, throat discomfort
  • Headache
  • Allergic skin reaction
  • Dyspnea
  • Declines in serum cholinesterase levels
  • Nausea, emesis
  • Epistaxis (formaldehyde)
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
Diagnostic Leads
  • Does the individual reside in mobile home or new conventional home containing large amounts of pressed wood products?
  • Has individual recently acquired new pressed wood furniture?
  • Does the individual's job or avocational pursuit include clerical, craft, graphics, or photographic materials?
  • Are chemical cleaners used extensively in the home, school, or workplace?
  • Has remodeling recently been done in home, school, or workplace?
  • Has individual recently used pesticides, paints, or solvents?
Remedial Action
Increase ventilation when using products that emit volatile organic compounds, and meet or exceed any label precautions. Do not store opened containers of unused paints and similar materials within home or office. See special note on pesticides.
Formaldehyde is one of the best known volatile organic compound (VOC) pollutants, and is one of the few indoor air pollutants that can be readily measured. Identify, and if possible, remove the source if formaldehyde is the potential cause of the problem. If not possible, reduce exposure: use polyurethane or other sealants on cabinets, paneling and other furnishings. To be effective, any such coating must cover all surfaces and edges and remain intact. Formaldehyde is also used in permanent press fabric and mattress ticking. Sensitive individuals may choose to avoid these products.
Comment
At room temperature, volatile organic compounds are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals (e.g., formaldehyde, benzene, perchloroethylene), some of which may have short- and long-term effects. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors than outdoors. A study by the EPA, covering six communities in various parts of the United States, found indoor levels up to ten times higher than those outdoors-even in locations with significant outdoor pollution sources, such as petrochemical plants.42
A wide array of volatile organics are emitted by products used in home, office, school, and arts/crafts and hobby activities. These products, which number in the thousands, include:
  • personal items such as scents and hair sprays;
  • household products such as finishes, rug and oven cleaners, paints and lacquers (and their thinners), paint strippers, pesticides (see below);
  • dry-cleaning fluids;
  • building materials and home furnishings;
  • office equipment such as some copiers and printers;
  • office products such as correction fluids and carbonless copy paper; 43,44 and
  • graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives, permanent markers, and photographic solutions.
Many of these items carry precautionary labels specifying risks and procedures for safe use; some do not. Signs and symptoms of VOC exposure may include eye and upper respiratory irritation, rhinitis, nasal congestion, rash, pruritus, headaches, nausea, vomiting, dyspnea and, in the case of formaldehyde vapor, epistaxis.
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde has been classified as a probable human carcinogen by the EPA.45 Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI), one source of formaldehyde used in home construction until the early 1980s, is now seldom installed, but formaldehyde-based resins are components of finishes, plywood, paneling, fiberboard, and particleboard, all widely employed in mobile and conventional home construction as building materials (subflooring, paneling) and as components of furniture and cabinets, permanent press fabric, draperies, and mattress ticking.
Airborne formaldehyde acts as an irritant to the conjuctiva and upper and lower respiratory tract. Symptoms are temporary and, depending upon the level and length of exposure, may range from burning or tingling sensations in eyes, nose, and throat, to chest tightness and wheezing. Acute, severe reactions for formaldehyde vapor-which has a distinctive pungent odor-may be associated with hypersensitivity. It is estimated that 10 to 20 percent of the U.S. population, including asthmatics, may have hyperreactive airways which may make them more susceptible to formaldehyde's effects.46
Pesticides sold for household use, notably impregnated strips, and foggers or "bombs," which are technically classed as semi-volatile organic compounds, include a variety of chemicals in various forms. Exposure to pesticides may cause harm if they are used improperly. However, exposure to pesticides via inhalation of spray mists may occur during normal use. Exposure can also occur via inhalation of vapors and contaminated dusts after use (particularly to children who may be in close contact with contaminated surfaces). Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, muscular weakness, and nausea. In addition, some pesticide active ingredients and inert components are considered possible human carcinogens. Label directions must be explicitly followed.47
References
42   U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Acid Deposition, Environmental Monitoring and Quality Assurance. Project Summary: The Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) Study. EPA-600-S6-87-002, 1987.
43   Marks, J.G., Jr., Trautlein, J.J. et al. "Contact Urticaria and Airway Obstruction From Carbonless Copy Paper." Journal of the American Medical Association 1984; 252:1038-40.
44   LaMarte, F.P., Merchants, J.A. and Casale, T.B. "Acute System Reactions to Carbonless Copy Paper Associated with Histamine Release." Journal of the American Medical Association 1988; 260:242-43.
45   U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air and Radiation. Report to Congress on Indoor Air Quality, Volume II: Assessment and Control of Indoor Air Pollution pp. i, 4-14, EPA-400-1-89-001C, 1989.
46   U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Public Health Service, and National Environmental Health Association. Introduction to Indoor Air Quality: A Reference Manual, p. 87. EPA-400-3-91-003, 1991.
47   U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Final Report: Nonoccupational Pesticide Exposure Study (NOPES), p. 60. EPA-600-3-90-003, 1990.