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National Library ToxNet

According to the information I found on the U.S. National Library ToxNet:

Urea formaldehyde (found in pressed board, a common building material)

Urea formaldehyde is a type of foam that is a inexpensive, easily installed, and efficient insulation. This is a serious exposure because it has health effects including mild to incapacitating symptoms have been reported in urea formaldehyde occupants of insulated homes. It was interesting to read that physicians confuse this foam with another foam known as polyurethane foam. The difference is that polyurethane foam is fully cured before construction and urea formaldehyde is not. However, toxicity occurs only during manufacture and curing. Health effects include primarily of the upper respiratory tract, lower respiratory tract disease and cancer. 

Recently, my cousin built her dream home with her husband and they were both very happy about accomplishing this. I am sure none of them thought about exposures when choosing their building material. Now that I think about it, I'm sure I wouldn't have thought about this either. When I purchase a home one day, I'm sure I'll want to do some type of remodeling or adjustments. Now that I am aware of the exposures that building material can bring in my home, I will be more cautious about what I choose. 

Bleach (a cleaning/disinfectant product)

Bleach is associated with many adverse health effects including respiratory outcomes and asthma. Many people use bleach when washing their clothes, in cleaning products, and some use bleach in their hair for hair dying purposes. More people should be aware of the health effects that bleach can cause and take precaution such as wearing gloves when coming in contact with bleach. It's also important to not use bleach very often. For example, you should allow time in between bleaching sessions for your hair. I have friends who want to achieve a certain blonde tone that can take months to achieve. However, some of my friends are inpatient and go back to the salon every week not realizing that this can be a risk to their health. 

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