Formaldehyde is used in the manufacture of a wide number of household products, including plywood, particle board, paneling, counter tops, flooring, and carpeting. While it serves useful functions, overexposure to it can create big problems for your brain. A study in the International Journal of Anatomy and Physiology re- ported issues from formaldehyde poisoning range from headaches to brain cancer.
Household products that include formaldehyde often send it out as fumes, resulting in chronic respiratory problems. Millions of Americans are affected. If you live in a newly built tract home, condominium, townhouse, or mobile home, you risk greater exposure because these places tend to use more products known to contain formaldehyde. If you suffer from unexplained respiratory problems, headaches, or other mysterious symptoms, you could be the victim of formaldehyde exposure. To reduce your risk, air out items known to contain high levels of formaldehyde, such as new furniture and carpeting, before bringing them into your home.