Science News Online (1/9/99): References for "Formaldehyde: Some surprises at home"

References & Sources - January 9, 1999

Formaldehyde: Some surprises at home

A new study finds that many products used in the home—including resin-based floor finishes and unwashed permanent-press fabrics—can emit unexpectedly high amounts of formaldehyde, which is a respiratory irritant and suspected carcinogen.

References:

Kelly, T.J., D.L. Smith, and J. Satola. 1999. Emission rates of formaldehyde from materials and consumer products found in California homes. Environmental Science & Technology 33(Jan. 1):81.

Further Readings:

Environmental Protection Agency. An update on formaldehyde. Available at http://www.epa.gov/iedweb00/pubs/formald2.html.

Environmental Protection Agency. Common indoor air pollutants-formaldehyde. Available at http://www.epa.gov/iedweb00/formalde.html.

Gough, M., et al. 1984. Report on the consensus workshop on formaldehyde. Environmental Health Perspectives 58(December):323.

Grindstaff, G., et al. 1991. Formaldehyde risk assessment update. Environmental Protection Agency Report(June 11).

Kelly, T.J. 1997. Indoor emissions of formaldehyde and toluene diisocyanate. California Environmental Protection Agency Report: NTIS #PB97-148761 (August).

Landrigan, P.J. 1989. Does formaldehyde cause cancer? Health & Environment Digest 3(May):1.

Liu, K-S., et al. 1991. Irritant effects of formaldehyde exposure in mobile homes. Environmental Health Perspectives 94(August):91.

Nelson, N., et al. 1986. Contribution of formaldehyde to respiratory cancer. Environmental Health Perspectives 70(December):23.

Schmidt, K. 1991. Air pollution: No place like a mobile home. Science News 140(Oct. 19):247.

State of California Air Resources Board. 1991. Formaldehyde in the home. Indoor Air Quality Guideline(September).

Additional information about formaldehyde can be found at the Environmental Protection Agency's Web site at http://www.epa.gov/ngispgm3/iris/subst/0419.htm and http://www.epa.gov/iedweb00/formalde.html.

Sources:

California Air Resources Board
Research Division
Indoor Exposure Assessment Section
P.O. Box 2815
Sacramento, CA 95812

Formaldehyde Institute, Inc.
1330 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20036

Peggy Jenkins
Air Resources Board
Research Division
2020 L Street
P.O. Box 2815
Sacramento, CA 95814

Thomas J. Kelly
Battelle Memorial Institute
505 King Avenue
Columbus, OH 43201-2693