This Common Household Item Could Be Slowly Killing You

We all have it in our homes, but most of us don't realize how dangerous it can be.

I'm talking about formaldehyde, a colorless gas with a strong, irritating odor. It's used in a wide variety of products, including:

• Building materials (e.g., plywood, particleboard)
  
• Furniture
  
• Carpeting
  
• Paints and coatings
  
• Personal care products (e.g., shampoo, nail polish)
  

When formaldehyde is released into the air, it can cause a variety of health problems, including:

• Eye, nose, and throat irritation
  
• Headaches
  
• Nausea
  
• Vomiting
  
• Difficulty breathing
  
• Cancer
  

Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of formaldehyde because their lungs are still developing.

In fact, a recent study found that children who live in homes with high levels of formaldehyde are more likely to develop asthma and other respiratory problems.

So what can you do to protect yourself and your family from formaldehyde?

Here are a few tips:

• Buy furniture and building materials made with low-formaldehyde or no-formaldehyde materials.
  
• Ventilate your home by opening windows and doors regularly.
  
• Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter.
  
• Avoid using personal care products that contain formaldehyde.
  

By following these tips, you can help reduce your exposure to formaldehyde and protect your health.

Remember, knowledge is power. The more you know about formaldehyde, the better you'll be able to protect yourself and your family from its harmful effects.