After pondering the effects of our exposures over the last few weeks, I've realized we have more contact with both formaldehyde and bleach than we think. Here are some of the noteworthy health effects associated with both:
Exposure to urea formaldehyde- Irritation of the skin, eyes, nose and throat can occur from short-term exposure to low concentrations of formaldehyde in air, and those with asthma may be especially sensitive. Direct contact with formaldehyde solutions has caused serious eye damage in some cases. If ingested, formaldehyde can cause severe pain, vomiting, unconsciousness, and even death. Formaldehyde is also a carcinogenic, and can cause leukemia, nose and pharynx cancer.
Exposure to bleach- Those with regular contact with bleach are more likely to have current and non-allerigic adult-onset asthma than non-bleach users, with higher blood neutrophil cell counts in those asthmatics. In addition, significant positive associations were found between use of bleach and bronchial hyperresponsiveness, asthma like-symptoms and chronic cough.
Both of these chemicals have a harsh smell, and although I don't use bleach often, the formaldehyde in the Brazilian Blowout I got made my eyes water so badly I could barely open them. Those who are in constant contact with both formaldehyde and bleach deserve to know the effects of their exposures.
Exposure to urea formaldehyde- Irritation of the skin, eyes, nose and throat can occur from short-term exposure to low concentrations of formaldehyde in air, and those with asthma may be especially sensitive. Direct contact with formaldehyde solutions has caused serious eye damage in some cases. If ingested, formaldehyde can cause severe pain, vomiting, unconsciousness, and even death. Formaldehyde is also a carcinogenic, and can cause leukemia, nose and pharynx cancer.
Exposure to bleach- Those with regular contact with bleach are more likely to have current and non-allerigic adult-onset asthma than non-bleach users, with higher blood neutrophil cell counts in those asthmatics. In addition, significant positive associations were found between use of bleach and bronchial hyperresponsiveness, asthma like-symptoms and chronic cough.
Both of these chemicals have a harsh smell, and although I don't use bleach often, the formaldehyde in the Brazilian Blowout I got made my eyes water so badly I could barely open them. Those who are in constant contact with both formaldehyde and bleach deserve to know the effects of their exposures.
There are so many harmful exposures to formaldehyde and bleach while both are common agents that we use/are exposed to daily. I'm surprised to see that people with regular contact to bleach are more likely to have current and nonallergic adult-onset asthma! It definitely concerns me because I use it regularly at work...
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