Carcinogenic Cribs and Changing Tables?
Environment California has documented high levels of formaldehyde emissions from baby furniture commonly found in the nursery. Environment California’s report shows that cribs and changing tables can emit high levels of formaldehyde. When these sources are added to other sources likely to be found in the home, the levels may exceed those shown to have adverse health effects on children.
Formaldehyde in cribs and changing tables shouldn’t be a surprise. It is common for composite wood products – like particle board and medium density fiberboard (MDF) – are held together with formaldehyde based resins. Unfortunately, the formaldehyde escapes from these products, polluting indoor air. And formaldehyde can be released for many years. But, you might not have thought that a crib or changing table could contribute significantly to formaldehyde emissions in the home. Unfortunately, Environment California’s testing shows that cribs and changing tables can be significant sources. And when you consider that your baby spends a lot of time in that nursery, you might want to look for alternatives. A bit of good news? The California Air Resources Board has enacted a regulation that will start to limit formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products beginning in 2009.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Posted by Jennifer Taggart
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