{Formaldehyde and Quaternium-15 allergy finally diagnosed!} Thought I was going out of my mind with this insane itching and "unexplained" dry-scabby patches. Out of sheer luck, I've been using allergin-free products for years, some with little relief. Some I know know I have to change, but biggest problem is the shampoo/conditioner. Anyone find something out there that is affordable and not impossible to find and that does not make your hair look like a nasty mop or horse's tail (or smell)? Also have prefume sensativity.
Q: Formaldehyde allergy diagnosed after suffering for almost 10 years
Answers (2)
7/ 4/10 4:54pm
I strongly recommend you test the formaldehyde concentration in the indoor air in your home. You are likely getting more exposure from the air then personal care products.
"Nearly all homes (98%) had formaldehyde concentrations that exceeded guidelines for cancer and chronic irritation..." The typical concentration was four times the State of California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessments not to exceed concentration of 7 ppb. The typical 24-hour average concentration 29 ppb or four times this recommendation.
Summary: http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/apr/past/04-310exec_sum.pdf
Report: http://www.arb.ca.gov/research/apr/past/04-310.pdf
Researcher's PowerPoint: http://iee-sf.com/resources/pdf/ResidentialVentilation.pdf
"The rise in childhood asthma, beginning in the early 1980s, has paralleled an increase in energy efficiency of buildings, and data suggest that increased chemical exposure in indoor environments may be the reason. Greater insulation, less ventilation, and a huge increase in new chemicals and products, within new buildings, collectively induces chemical exposures and potential health effects never previously experienced in human history."
http://www.ehhi.org/reports/leed
The EPA won't allow their workers to occupy new office space until the formaldehyde concentration is below 16 ppb. This assumes 8-hours/day; 5-days/week; healthy adults. Homes where duration can be longer should have lower concentrations.
http://www.epa.gov/rtp/campus/environmental/s_01445.htm
Anyone can use the same method Sierra Club used to first discover the FEMA trailer issue. Cost including lab analysis is $39.
http://www.acsbadge.com/formaldehyde.shtml
Additional information also available at:
http://www.HealthyBuilding.net
http://www.IndoorAirAnswers.com
http://www.examiner.com/x-5101-San-Jose-Environmental-Health-Examiner
1/ 8/10 7:56pm
I have the same allergy and the only thing I have found so far is Cliniderm Shampoo and Conditioner
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Great stuff! my family has been forced from our home for nearly a year due to a construction project using chinese produced cabinets in the kitchen and bathrooms (the manufacturer had a CARB emissions certificate). do you have any information regarding what tests can be conducted to determine levels of formaldehyde exposure in a person (ATSDR says they exist but can not provide me with the names of the tests only scientific research that indicates they exist)? know of any one who has had problems with kitchen and bath cabinets? email me if you do - poisonedbyformaldehyde@yahoo.com thanks!