Formaldehyde in Cotton

Sun 7 Jun 2009 1:01:53 AM GMT

Frenchy baby organics Blog Formaldehyde in babies cotton clothes Most people are not aware the formaldehyde is commonly used in cotton production as as a stain resistant mechanism, to fix color to a fabric, to give a permanent press effect, to stop shrinking and to make fabric more flame resistant. Also, to prevent mildew, manufacturers use formaldehyde to treat clothes that have to be shipped a long way (Asia to the United States). What is formaldehyde? (Wikipedia) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formaldehyde Formaldehyde (IUPAC name methanal) is a chemical compound with the formula CHO. It is the simplest aldehyde. Formaldehyde exists in several forms aside from HCO: the cyclic trimer trioxane and the polymer paraformaldehyde. It exists in water as the hydrate HC(OH). Aqueous solutions of formaldehyde are referred to as formalin. "100%" formalin consists of a saturated solution of formaldehyde (this is about 40% by volume or 37% by mass) in water, with a small amount of stabilizer, usually methanol to limit oxidation and polymerization. A typical commercial grade formalin may contain 10-12% methanol in addition to metallic impurities like aluminium (3 ppm), iron (1 ppm) and copper (1 ppm). Annual world production of formaldehyde (about 2005) was 21 million tonnes, or 46 billion pounds. In view of its widespread use, toxicity, and volatility, exposure to formaldehyde is a significant consideration for human health Why should you care! Formaldehyde solutions are used as a fixative for microscopy and histology. Formaldehyde-based solutions are also used in embalming to disinfect and temporarily preserve human and animal remains. It is the ability of formaldehyde to fix the tissue that produces the tell-tale firmness of flesh in an embalmed body....... aka as a preservative for dead bodies. Formaldehyde is a toxic gas that can be dangerous in our children’s environments for many reasons. “These toxic fumes, even in small amounts, can cause nose and eye irritation (burning, itchy, tearing, and sore throat) in children as well as in adults. Long-term exposure and high concentrations of formaldehyde can lead to cancer. In animal studies, rats exposed to high levels of formaldehyde in air developed nose cancer. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has determined that formaldehyde may reasonably be anticipated to be a carcinogen.” The moral of the story is that organic cotton is produced without the use of Formaldehyde. Buying organic is healthier for your children, factory workers and the environment.

WELCOME!

Fri 22 May 2009 2:59:55 AM GMT

Welcome to our new store blog! Here you can get updates on our product line, new product launches, customer feedback, information about organic cotton, and great ideas for living green!

We look forward to blogging with you!

Ali