Mine Safety (Cont.)
Formaldehyde is a known eye and respiratory irritant and a suspected carcinogen.
Acceptable concentrations for sensitive persons, according to the Enrivonmental Protection Agency, is .10 parts per million (ppm). Maximum allowable levels in HUD manufactured housing is .20 ppm. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the maximum exposure level in the workplace is .75 ppm.
Formaldehyde levels in the Arizona mining company trailers ranged from .08 to .68 ppm. And while the US Department of Health and Human Services does not set a maximum exposure level, experts there agree that symptoms become apparent at .3 ppm. and that the levels in the Arizona trailers are, "higher than the level that would be acceptable for families to live in."
Formaldehyde is used in many conventional adhesives, manufactured wood products including cabinetry, and in insulation.
Learn more about the dangers of formaldehyde, and healthier building material alternatives that avoid the toxic substance at NEXUS.