Formaldehyde in MFH
Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2007 10:12 am
As a single parent I am looking into purchasing a manufactured home for my family due to economics. However, I do not want to risk my family's health as a result. I am interested in the Palm Harbor Homes based on the lower ppm of formaldehyde but I want to know if it is low enough to be safe. Please see the two paragraphs below:
"...our sub flooring material is made of Oriented Strand Board (not particle board...or any brand of particle board) which is structurally rated and emits far fewer chemicals (.008 ppm/formaldehyde vs. .32ppm/formaldehyde for particle board). so the air inside the home is healthier and more pleasant for the customer." (Statement from a Palm Harbor Homes Internet Associate.)
Formaldehyde primarily affects the mucous membranes of the upper airways and eyes; these effects include potentially precancerous nasal epithelial histological lesions, including keratosis and metaplasia of the nasal epithelium (Edling et al., 1988). Repeated exposure of skin to the liquid also causes irritation and allergic dermatitis. Dose-dependent increases in health complaints (eye and throat irritation, and headaches) have been noted in residents of mobile and conventional homes at concentrations of 0.1 ppm formaldehyde or above (Ritchie and Lehnen, 1987). Similarly, Liu et al. (1991) found that exposure to 0.09 ppm (0.135 mg/m3) formaldehyde exacerbated chronic respiratory and allergy problems in residents living in mobile homes. Chronic exposure to formaldehyde has been associated with immunological hypersensitivity and altered immunity (Thrasher et al., 1987). Thrasher et al. (1990) later found that long-term exposure to formaldehyde was associated with autoantibodies, immune activation, and formaldehyde-albumin adducts. The authors suggest that the hypersensitivity induced by formaldehyde may account for a mechanism for asthma and other health complaints associated with formaldehyde exposure. (Information from an online search.)
Thank you for your input.
"...our sub flooring material is made of Oriented Strand Board (not particle board...or any brand of particle board) which is structurally rated and emits far fewer chemicals (.008 ppm/formaldehyde vs. .32ppm/formaldehyde for particle board). so the air inside the home is healthier and more pleasant for the customer." (Statement from a Palm Harbor Homes Internet Associate.)
Formaldehyde primarily affects the mucous membranes of the upper airways and eyes; these effects include potentially precancerous nasal epithelial histological lesions, including keratosis and metaplasia of the nasal epithelium (Edling et al., 1988). Repeated exposure of skin to the liquid also causes irritation and allergic dermatitis. Dose-dependent increases in health complaints (eye and throat irritation, and headaches) have been noted in residents of mobile and conventional homes at concentrations of 0.1 ppm formaldehyde or above (Ritchie and Lehnen, 1987). Similarly, Liu et al. (1991) found that exposure to 0.09 ppm (0.135 mg/m3) formaldehyde exacerbated chronic respiratory and allergy problems in residents living in mobile homes. Chronic exposure to formaldehyde has been associated with immunological hypersensitivity and altered immunity (Thrasher et al., 1987). Thrasher et al. (1990) later found that long-term exposure to formaldehyde was associated with autoantibodies, immune activation, and formaldehyde-albumin adducts. The authors suggest that the hypersensitivity induced by formaldehyde may account for a mechanism for asthma and other health complaints associated with formaldehyde exposure. (Information from an online search.)
Thank you for your input.