Common Sources of Formaldehyde Exposure

According to the National Cancer Institute, formaldehyde exposure may occur from the following:

1. Household Sources

Pressed wood products such as particleboard and plywood
Cigarette smoke
Unvented gas stoves, kerosene heaters, and wood-burning stoves

2. Occupational Settings

Mortuaries and laboratories
Textile, chemical, and construction industries

3. Cosmetic Products
In cosmetics, formaldehyde is rarely added as a raw ingredient. Instead, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are used. These slowly release formaldehyde when exposed to water and are primarily employed to inhibit microbial growth and extend product shelf life.

Common formaldehyde-releasing agents include:

DMDM Hydantoin
Imidazolidinyl Urea
Diazolidinyl Urea
Quaternium-15
Bronopol (2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol)
Tris(hydroxymethyl) nitromethane
Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate

These compounds are often found in shampoos, body lotions, moisturizers, liquid soaps, and baby care products.