In February 2016, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised its estimates of the health risks posed by formaldehyde from certain types of laminate flooring samples. The estimate of risk is based on a study model that keeps the possible levels of exposure slightly higher than the typical exposures in real life for safety reasons. The report estimated the possible consequences of exposure at various levels within the model. Here is a link to the announcement: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/laminateflooring/default.html The original report dated February 10, 2016 said that people who already have a respiratory condition like asthma or COPD could experience an increase in symptoms in case of relatively milder exposures. More severe exposure can also cause irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract for anyone. However, the risk of cancer was considered low with 2 to 9 cases estimated in every 100,000 people. Although the original report was worrying, the revisedreport makes it worse by putting the risk at a much greaterlevel. CDC revised its estimates after it found an error that made the risk three times lower than what it really was.
The revised report said that even low levels of formaldehyde exposure within the modeled range will likely trigger eye and respiratory tract irritation for anyone. Exposure at any level within the range could increase the number of asthma attacks and the severity of symptoms in people with asthma, COPD and other respiratory problems. Cancer risk was upgraded to between 6 and 30 cases in every 100,000 people, which was more than three times the risk reported earlier. CDC recommendsreducing exposure to reduce the risks of respiratory problems. Reduced exposure also reduces the risk of cancer. The revised report has highlighted the health hazards posed by materials commonly used in construction. Anyone who has walked through a freshly painted building or a synthetic wood store will be familiar with the pungent odor that lingers in the place. The culprit is formaldehyde, a pungent smelling gas that irritates the nose, throat and windpipe. It also causes a burning sensation in the eyes. Synthetic woods like plywood and particle boards and high VOC paints are the common sources of formaldehyde in homes. The real solution is to use green materials in construction and people around the world are waking up to this fact. "Being health smart, energy smart, earth smart and water smart are the four cornerstones of green construction,"says Seth Asare, a Real Estate Agent from Las Vegas and currently the Managing Member at Ebenezer Real Estate, LLC. According to him, green buildings will play a large part in solving some of the biggest environmental and resource challenges faced by society today. Ebenezer Real Estate, a company currently focused on green homes, has published a series of ebooks to educate people on green homes and green living. Last week, Ebenezer announced the launch of Seth's new ebook How to Buy a Green Home A step-by-step guide to buying your green home without losing your shirt on Amazon. According to the author, the book shows people how to buy a home that will give them tremendous health and cost benefits for decades with very little or no extra investment. Considering that the average homebuyer has very little knowledge about the complexities of home buying, the book also explains the steps to buying a house in considerable detail with a special focus on green homes.
Link to the book: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CQWO4EM?ref_=pe_2427780_160035660
