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OTHER  CHEMICALS  POTENTIALLY  IN  THEATRE 

AND  STERILISING  ENVIRONMENTS

(2)   FORMALDEHYDE  

(EITHER AS A FIXATIVE,  STERILANT,  OR  COMPONENT  OF  SICK/TIGHT  BUILDINGS)

                Called  HCHO,  (also  formalin;  formal;  methanal; formic aldehyde, methyl aldehyde, methylene glycol, etc.  Quaternium  indicates that an ingredient releases formaldehyde).  Very soluble in water, alcohol and ether.  Obtained industrially by oxidation of methyl alcohol in the presence of a catalyst eg copper or silver.  Paraformaldehyde is obtained by concentrating aqueous solutions of formaldehyde.  Formalin/formal contains 37-50% formaldehyde by weight, plus water and methanol. 

LEVELS:

                UK:  OES 2 ppm                                                           NZ:  TLV is 2 ppm; 

                USA:  ACGIH: TLV is 1 ppm  8 hours/day, 5 days /wk. TWA 1 ppm,  STEL 2 ppm,  with a notice of intent to change to a Ceiling Limit of  0.3 ppm.  All under review - Canada in 1989 recommended a target level of  0.05 ppm.

Breathing zone samples in a 1983 med student anatomy class found 44% were in excess of 1 ppm.[1]  A 1993 study of med students found a mean level of  0.73 ppm.[2]  Histology technicians in Finland were exposed to short-term exposures of  0.01-7 ppm, with a mean of  0.45 ppm[3] (1994).  [All reported in Weaver. [4]]

FORMALDEHYDE  EFFECTS

                Skin reactions: ...chemical can be both irritating and allergy-causing...(EPA).  A slight sensation of tiny insects crawling over the eyes, nose and pharynx  (formication) is felt at 2-3 ppm.  (Zurlo N, via OSH, NZ.)  Contact with the vapour or solution causes skin to become white, rough, hard and anaesthetic due to superficial coagulation necrosis. With long exposure, dermatitis and hypersensitivity frequently result.  Prolonged exposure may also cause cracking of skin and ulceration, especially around the fingernails.             

                Inhalation of  HCHO vapours produces irritation to the eyes, nose and throat and frequently results in upper respiratory tract irritation, coughing and bronchitis.  Asthma may occur in sensitive individuals.  Exposure may cause headache, dizziness, difficulty breathing and pulmonary edema.[5]Acute effects include conjunctival and URT irritation from exposure to 0.1 ppm-5 ppm.   Severe exposure to fumes may lead to chemical pneumonia.  (EPA www.epa.gov/ ). Peak expiratory flow rates in med students decreased slightly over a 10 week anatomy course, a trend which reversed after the course finished.[6]  But studies of routinely exposed workers, controls, and asthmatics using controlled chamber challenges have frequently failed to show pulmonary changes.[7]  However most patients tested for formaldehyde asthma do not react to specific challenge or have demonstrable antibodies present.[8]  Inhalation of 10-20 ppm can lead to lower respiratory tract irritation manifested by cough, chest tightness, and tachycardia.[9]   Human  systemic effects by inhalation.

                After ingestion, degenerative changes may be found in the liver, kidneys, heart and brain.  Experimental  poison by ingestion, skin contact, inhalation, intravenous, intraperitoneal and subcutaneous routes.  Human poison by ingestion.  A woman drinking 120 mls of formaldehyde died 28½ hrs later - blood analysis showed that sufficient formaldehyde  metabolised rapidly to formic acid  (large amounts within half an hour distributing to about 70% of body water) to cause metabolic acidosis.[10] 

                HCHO is involved in DNA damage and inhibits its repair.  HCHO is a suspected human carcinogen and has been shown to produce mutations and abnormal organisms in bacterial studies" - (EPA).  Carcinogen - (Dorland's Medical Dictionary).  An experimental carcinogen, tumorigen and teratogen.  Experimental reproductive effects.  The chemical has been linked to menstrual disorders and pregnancy problems in women exposed to high levels in nail salons (EPA).  A study of lab workers in Finland found a significant association between formalin exposure and spontaneous abortion.[11]

                Neurotoxin   (see also Formaldehyde Neurotoxicity p 29.)  A good reference:  Lezak M. Neuropsychological Assessment,  1995, Chap 7).

                Other symptoms of sensitivity to formaldehyde, including muscle and joint pain, fatigue, and cross reactivity to other chemicals are similar to those listed for glutaraldehyde p 21. Excessive thirst is noted in The Jeremiah Project literature.  John Bower, Director, Healthy House Institute, Bloomington, Indiana:  In a new study,  March 1999:  "One of the most insidious problems with formaldehyde is its ability to sensitise people to other pollutants."[12]

FORMALDEHYDE  USE

                Formaldehyde is a powerful antiseptic, germicide, fungicide, and preservative.  The main problem products for formaldehyde emissions are urea-formaldehyde foam insulation in walls and ceilings, and the urea-formaldehyde resins (used as adhesive/glues) to make particle board, medium density fibreboard, and hardboard plywood used in flooring, kitchen/bathroom cabinets, panelling and furniture,  melamine decorative laminate and polyacetyl resins. U-F resins are unstable and may release free formaldehyde trapped in the resin and/or formaldehyde from decomposition of the resin polymer itself.  Most formaldehyde is released in the first 6 months, but significant release can be expected as the resin undergoes decomposition for a further indefinite period,[13] contributing to sick-building syndrome.  Increase in temperature and humidity greatly increases formaldehyde emissions. All exposed surfaces [including edges]  must be sealed with paint, polyurethane, or varnish or covered with carpet, vinyl, or tiles etc.  "Formaldehyde makes up 50% of the estimated total aldehydes in polluted air".[14]  In 1998  formaldehyde ranked tenth in organic chemical production in the USA .[15] Formaldehyde demand is estimated to grow from 9.3 billion pounds to 9.6 billion pounds in 2002 - (Battelle Study, 1999).

                "Formaldehyde is probably the top indoor air quality troublemaker" - Thomas J Kelly, chemist, Battelle Memorial Institute, Ohio and author of the new study  (Jan, 1999, Envir Science and Technology journal). The study chamber-tested 55 household products, each for 24 hrs.  By far the highest omitter was an acid-cured wood floor finish.  Fingernail polish and hardener were very high as was new latex paint and floor polish. Among 'dry' products,  permanent press items eg shirts and linen gave off surprisingly high amounts.  The urea-particle board did not meet the voluntary industry standard. 

                SNFTAAS  Network members' own sensitising exposures to formaldehydeinclude nursing, lab work, the tanning industry, wood-working jobs,  "sick/tight buildings"  because of off-gassing from unsealed particle board/composite/ reconstituted/ MDF/ fibreboard/plywood type products, and board-making plants.

ALDEHYDES  (mainly formaldehyde)  appear/are used in:

                Particle/fibreboard (in the resins).  Urea-,  phenol-,  and melamine-formaldehyde resins.

            In the manufacture of organic chemicals eg Pentaerythritol, Hexamethylenetetramine and                                    1,4-Butanediol. 

                Moulded plastics/thermoplastics.  Cellulose esters.

                From the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons:  factory emissions (eg triboard mills);

                                fumes from petrol, diesel, cigarette smoke; asphalt.  Burning heating fuels.  (Wood smoke                  emissions also contain particulate matter that contributes to the high rates of asthma in                               children.) 

                Pesticides as an inert ingredient  (these ingredients do not have to be specified),  rodent poison. As                                a germicide and fungicide for vegetables and other plants; to prevent mildew and spelt in                               wheat and rot in oats for animal feeds.  Maple syrup (from use in tapholes).

                Laboratories as a fixative for preservation of specimens/tissue samples.

                Photography for hardening gelatin plates and papers, print flatting solution, hypo test solution,                       hardeners and toners.

                Printing - etching materials.for chrome printing and developing.   

                Paper and cardboard to improve wet strength; carbonless paper, wall paper.

                Fabric sizing resins for crease resistant clothes  (it makes fibres wrinkle resistant, water resistant,                      dye fast, flame resistant, shrink proof, moth proof and more elastic);[16]  - rayon,                                  rayon-acetate blends, "wash and wear" cotton, shrinkproof wool,  polyester blends,                                 artificial silk.  Fabric conditioners, softeners. Bed linen.

                New carpet, thermal drapes, furnishings, artificial silk, the dye industryfor mordanting and                                improving fastness of dyes.

                Perfumes (eg amylcinnamaldehyde, hexylcinnamaldehyde and many others - perfumes are                  advertised as "If you like the smell of freshly laundered clothes you are sure to enjoy the                                 clean smelling fragrances based on aldehydes.  Aldehydes are about sparkle and radiance.                           ...Check out washing powders...furniture polishes, musk products.  Find something                             familiar in White Linen (Estee Lauder), Chanel No 5, Arpege (Lanvin) or Jovan musk" -                     [NZ Hair and Beauty].  Fragrances are a major source of poor indoor air quality.     

                As a preservative/disinfectant in cosmetics - deodorants, toothpaste, anti-septic mouth washes,                      toothpaste, germicidal soaps, foot powders, shampoos, mousse, conditioner, bubble bath,                         (Bronopol, Germall 115, Dowicil, Quaternium).

                Nail polish, and nail hardener as a resin.

                Multiple house cleaning products - detergents, rinse aid, pre-wash stain remover, starch,                                   toilet cleaners; mildew/mould proofing.

                Water based paint, paint stripper, finger paints, tempora paint, modelling clay, glues, paste, gum                      and adhesives eg in footwear; car, floor and shoe polish. 

            Preserving and coagulating rubber latex. Contraceptives. Vinyl gloves.

                Some vaccinations eg pertussis, 'flu vaccination;  synthesis of vitamin A, manufacture of                                  antibiotics; chelating agents, wart paint.              

                Air conditioning units, air fresheners, fumigating to destroy insects etc.                

                Embalming.

                Tanning - especially white or pastel shades.

                Slow-release fertilisers, urea, thiourea; for sterilising soils. 

                The dairy industry for casein, (it is used to render casein, albumin, and gelatin insoluble); farming -                  as a hoof hardener.                

                Metal casting  (to harden wood to make moulds), cutting oils, corrosion inhibitors in oil drilling                        muds etc, concrete, plaster, cement, firelighters, match heads, explosives. Glass mirrors.

 (From ACGIH 1991,  NZ  Ministry of Health and miscellaneous others.)                 

                Composite resin replacing amalgam fillings. Root canal fillings, and denture base material release                      HCHO as do the endodontic [inside the tooth] sealers, AH26 and N2.  AH26 has high                       toxicity after mixing  which decreases after several days;  N2 releases 1000x more -                           (Spangberg L et al, J Endo 1993, 19, 596).

METHANOL

                Methanol  (wood alcohol, methyl alcohol) is a common household solvent used in perfume, windscreen washing liquid, duplicating fluid, antifreeze, shellac, paint remover.  It is also added to commercial glutaraldehyde for shipping.  Methanol occurs naturally in fruit and vegetables along with ethanol (alcohol).  Methanol metabolises in the body to formaldehyde, then to formic acid, and then to substances which can be eliminated  - including carbon dioxide and water. 

                The oxidation products of  METHANOL / METHYL ALCOHOL  [ie methanol > formaldehyde > formic acid]  may induce severe acidosis.  The amount causing severe effects varies with the individual especially if ethyl alcohol (ethanol) is consumed at the same time. The two compounds share the same degrading enzyme, alcohol dehydrogenase, and competition from ethanol slows the production of the more toxic products of metabolism - ie formaldehyde and formic acid.  Oxidation and excretion of methanol is slow;  toxic symptoms do not develop for 12-48 hrs.  Symptoms involve the visual apparatus  (severe degenerative changes occur within the ganglion cells of the retina; the toxicity of methanol appears to relate directly to formic acid), the CNS, and the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. Clinical toxicity relates to acidosis as well as the effects of accumulation of toxic products: nausea, vomiting, generalised weakness, severe abdominal pain, vertigo, headache.  Symptoms similar to ethyl alcoholism appear: restlessness, incoordination... confusion and memory defects are common.[17]  [Paper available: 

CIIN  0024-GOET-85-014].  The half life of HCHO in rabbits etc is estimated to be one minute.  Inhaling the fumes of methanol can cause headache, eye irritation, dizziness, visual disturbances and nausea.  It damages the liver, heart, kidneys, and lungs.[18]

ASPARTAME  artificial sweeteners (Monsanto's  NutraSweet/Equal/Spoonful etc)  are highly controversial.  Aspartame:L-Aspartyl-l-phenylalanine methyl ester, 98%, aspartame

CAS #22839-47-0

is composed of (at least) three things:

                  1.) aspartic acid, (around 40%)     CAS # 56-84-8

                  2.) phenylalanine, (around 50%)     CAS # 63-91-2

                  3.) methanol (wood alcohol) (10%)   CAS # 67-56-1[19]

A school science report looked at breakdown products of diet coke in different storage conditions:  The level of aspartame in a can of Diet Coke was found to be 0.06% by a food testing laboratory.  The remaining cans from one case of  Diet coke were stored under three different heat conditions for 10 weeks.  Seven cans were stored in an incubator (104° F), seven cans were stored at room temperature (68-70°F), others in refrigerator.  At the end of  70 days samples were tested for levels of aspartame, formaldehyde and DKP (diketopiperazine).

Refrigerated sample:          0.058% aspartame,      0.00% DKP,       53.5 parts per billion of formaldehyde. 

Room temperature sample:   0.05%   aspartame,      0.002% DKP,      231  ppb  formaldehyde.

Incubator sample:                   0.026% aspartame,      0.010% DKP      76.2  ppb  formaldehyde.[20]

(Less methanol would result from 1½c of diet soft drink than 1c of fruit juice. However fruit juice does also contain ethanol.)

Individuals with the genetic disease phenylketonuria (PKU) cannot properly utilise the amino acid phenylalanine, hence the warning on the product's label.  Anti-aspartame groups relate symptoms of

multiple schlerosis, SLE, fibromyalgia, coma and death etc to aspartame.

The FDA in the USA has just approved aspartame sweeteners for use in heated products - ie that they are able to be subjected to heat without forming breakdown products.  The number of products containing aspartame are increasing  as the price comes down eg in yoghurts (check the labels)  - Chris Wheeler, Soil and Health Association of NZ,  P O Box 36170,  Northcote,  Auckland,  NZ.       chris@wheeler.pl.net 

(Also in NZ:  Toxins Awareness Group (NZ) TAG,  P O Box  99315,  Newmarket,  Auckland.)

Links to Aspartame sites:  http://www.holisticmed.com/aspartame/=AO/=AO  http://www.dorway.com 

For very good comments on the controversy, see    http://urbanlegends.miningco.com        

STEVIA  is a natural plant-based alternative sweetener. 

OTHER  NOTES

*Swiss furniture dealers usually sell only furniture that is formaldehyde-free or with very low content.  Some manufacturers have prohibited the use of formaldehyde.  (Swiss Embassy, 5 Jan 1999)

*Ambient air in downtown Atlanta, Georgia was measured in 1992 with average concentrations of 2.7-3.0 ppb  (highest 8.3ppb)  for formaldehyde and 2.6-3.2 ppb (highest 8.4 ppb)  for acetaldehyde - Grosjean E et al, 1993.

*Recent research has determined that household plants do not substantially reduce formaldehyde form indoor air.  (CIIN - Our Toxic Times.  February, 1999).  [But they look good].

*MTBE  (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether) was added to gasoline in 1992 to reduce Carbon Monoxide emissions.  Evidence is that MTBE is without identifiable benefit.  When inhaled it converts to formaldehyde in the body.  It also increases exhaust emissions of formaldehyde. (Pollution by Gasoline Containing Hazardous Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE), Archives Envir Health. July/Aug 1998).

*Carbonless paper:  MSDS for Mead's NCR paper - latex based adhesive with proplyene glycol, solvents, 68% water, balsam fragance. The solvents include:  ethanol, methanol, ethyl acetate, methyl isobutyl ketone, and heptane. The ink is encapsulated in chlorinated paraphenic hydrocarbon product.  "Researchers at the University of Florida have recently analyzed CCP (NCR paper) and found small amounts of toluene diisocyanate. Formaldehyde is also in CCP.  Phenolic resins, fungicides and dye compunds (phthalide/ fluoran/indole dyes) are listed as non-proprietary ingredients. In nine years of performing building investigations, I have never seen such a high percentage of office workers so severely affected as when CCP was responsible for their many symptoms." (Steven Temes <AirwaysEnv@compuserve.com>1 Apr 1999.) 

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