Formaldehyde News and Research

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Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable, strong-smelling chemical that is used to manufacture building materials and to produce many household products. Formaldehyde sources in the home include pressed-wood products, cigarette smoke, and fuel-burning appliances. When exposed to formaldehyde, some individuals may experience various short-term health effects. Formaldehyde has been classified as a known human carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and as a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Research studies of workers exposed to formaldehyde have suggested an association between formaldehyde exposure and cancers of the nasal sinuses, nasopharynx, and brain, and possibly leukemia.

Seed-borne bacterium can lead to complete resistance to a particular pathogen

Rice is the staple food of about half the world's population. The cultivation of the rice plant is very water-intensive and, according to the German aid organization Welthungerhilfe, around 15 per cent of rice is grown in areas with a high risk of drought.

12 Jan 2021

California law banning toxic chemicals in cosmetics will transform industry

A toxic chemical ban signed into law in California will change the composition of cosmetics, shampoos, hair straighteners and other personal care products used by consumers across the country, industry officials and activists say.

23 Nov 2020

Elastic-free facial masks could benefit individuals with contact dermatitis during COVID-19

A University of Cincinnati immunologist is recommending that individuals with contact dermatitis choose facial masks made without elastic or rubber that allow them to stay safe in the midst of COVID-19 while avoiding possible allergic reactions.

15 Nov 2020

Novel technology tests the presence of thin membrane protrusions on breast cancer cells

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) have developed a novel technology to test for the presence of thin membrane protrusions called "microtentacles" on breast cancer cells, which can help predict whether a tumor is likely to spread.

5 Aug 2020

USC scientists report wider benefits of well-known hangover drug

A well-known hangover drug not only helps soothe pounding headaches but also triggers profound changes that protect the liver, USC scientists report in new findings that could help prevent alcohol-related harm.

7 Apr 2020

USC researchers show wider benefits to drug used for hangovers

A well-known hangover drug not only helps soothe pounding headaches but also triggers profound changes that protect the liver.

7 Apr 2020

DNA extracted from museum specimens can provide genetic information

DNA in preserved museum specimens can allow scientists to explore the history of species and humanities impact on the ecosystem, but samples are typically preserved in formaldehyde which can damage DNA and make it very difficult to recover.

4 Feb 2020

Hair dyes raise the risk of breast cancers especially among black women says study

A new study has confirmed that permanent hair dyes and chemical hair straightener use are associated with breast cancers especially among African American women. There have been animal studies that reveal that these hair dyes and chemicals used for straightening the hair are associated with cancers. Human studies however have not shown consistent results establishing the relationship between the chemicals and the cancers.

5 Dec 2019

CDC cautions people to avoid e-cigarette products

Although e-cigarettes have been on the market for years, recent reports of vaping-linked illnesses have brought serious attention to these products.

5 Dec 2019

Epigenomic techniques used to fight disease

Humans differ from one another in many ways, including how they react to disease, because of their DNA blueprint, as well as the difference in the environments they face. These factors combine to make each person unique. Now a new study published in the journal Nature Protocols reports the development of a promising technology to uncover the process by which the body fights diseases in different ways.

4 Dec 2019

Researchers recommend actions to improve ventilation rates in classrooms

Roughly 85% of recently installed HVAC systems in K-12 classrooms investigated in California did not provide adequate ventilation, according to a study from UC Davis and the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab).

6 Nov 2019

Cigarettes vs. vaping: That’s the ‘wrong comparison,’ says inhalation researcher

Ilona Jaspers initially approached the outbreak of vaping-related illnesses with a clinical curiosity.

4 Nov 2019

As vaping devices evolve, new potential hazards scrutinized

The smokeless tobacco industry that began with low-voltage cigarette look-alikes has evolved to include customizable, high-wattage machines capable of generating enormous clouds of vapor - and potentially toxic substances.

24 Oct 2019

Why Mattresses Could be a Health Threat to Sleeping Children

Researchers at the Israel Institute of Technology have found that children’s mattresses may represent a health hazard as they emit some dangerous pollutants at concerning levels overnight.

11 Jul 2019

Does it make sense to delay children’s vaccines?

When Elyse Imamura's son was an infant, she and her husband, Robert, chose to spread out his vaccinations at a more gradual pace than the official schedule recommended.

20 Mar 2019

Study emphasize need for educational outreach, policy change to reduce health hazards at salons

The nail salon industry has seen rapid growth within the last 20 years, becoming increasingly popular among women of all ages who like to get their nails professionally done.

6 Feb 2019

New genetically modified common houseplant purifies air around it

We like to keep the air in our homes as clean as possible, and sometimes we use HEPA air filters to keep offending allergens and dust particles at bay.

20 Dec 2018

Genetically modified houseplant can efficiently detoxify indoor air

Our homes are supposed to be safe havens from the outside world. However, studies have shown that household air is more polluted than either office or school air, exposing children and home workers to higher levels of carcinogens than the general population.

19 Dec 2018