Subscribe
  • News
    • Local
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Real Estate
    • Outlaw Partners
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Yellowstone
  • Events
Menu
  • News
    • Local
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Real Estate
    • Outlaw Partners
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Yellowstone
  • Events

From Jackie with Love: Unintentional embalming

in Arts & Entertainment
Outlaw Partnersby Outlaw Partners
April 21, 2018

By Jackie Rainford Corcoran EBS Health Columnist

Did you know we can have toxic levels of formaldehyde in our bodies? I found this shocking. Unless you’re a funeral director who’s business it is to embalm the deceased, I couldn’t imagine how this is possible.

Formaldehyde is a simple compound made of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen and is a colorless, strong-smelling gas. It belongs to the family of chemical compounds called volatile organic compounds. Our bodies produce small amounts of formaldehyde. It serves as a chemical building block for cells to live and grow, and exists naturally in the air we breathe and the water we drink.

Article Inline Ad Article Inline Ad Article Inline Ad
ADVERTISEMENT

But the man-made world we live in has increased the levels of formaldehyde so much that it can be hazardous to our health. Overexposure can irritate our eyes, skin, nose and throat and can increase the risk of cancer. My intention isn’t to create fear here-it’s to create awareness so we can make informed choices.

Widespread information about the dangers of formaldehyde circulated in the mid-1970s when people experienced respiratory problems from urea foam formaldehyde insulation. Although UFFI was banned in 1982, the ban was lifted a year later and formaldehyde continues to be used in building materials and products.

It makes its way into our homes through plywood, fiberboard, particleboard, glue, timber paneling and laminates.

When building a home, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends using “exterior grade” pressed-wood products. They give off less formaldehyde because they contain phenol resins rather than urea resins. However, even though certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, these products still expose users and workers to formaldehyde at lower levels.

Look for furniture, cabinetry, flooring and upholsteries made without urea-formaldehyde glues; pressed-wood products that meet ultra-low emitting formaldehyde or no added formaldehyde requirements; products labeled “No VOC/Low VOC,” and insulation that does not have urea-formaldehyde foam.

Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are also used in bath, body and beauty products as a preservative that helps prevent bacterial growth. They can be found in shampoos, nail polish, conditioners, toothpastes, sunscreens, perfumes, cosmetics, soap and baby-wipes. It’s worth noting that the European Chemical Agency has banned the use of formaldehyde in beauty products.

Products containing synthetic fragrances like dryer sheets, laundry/dish detergents and air fresheners can all release formaldehyde into your environment. Synthetic fabrics used to make clothing, sheets, pillows and curtains are often treated with urea-formaldehyde resins.

So what are we to do? It seems that many companies brush the dangers off by claiming that the amount of formaldehyde in their products is too low to be a health risk. And while that’s probably true, health issues can result from exposure coming from so many different sources.

ADVERTISEMENT

Unfortunately, the Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate these products so they’re usually permitted to use chemicals as they please. That said, it’s up to us, the consumers, to get informed, read labels and buy products that we trust, made by companies that care about our health and the environment.

Also, there are ways we can take care of our bodies to ensure they’re working optimally and filtering out impurities. Read the next edition of Explore Big Sky where I’ll write about how to keep your body’s internal filtration system as clean and healthy as possible to prevent chemical overload.

Jackie Rainford Corcoran is an IIN Certified Holistic Health Coach, culture consultant, TEDx speaker and coach. For a complimentary health consultation, visit corcoranhealth.com and schedule your meeting today.

Outlaw Realty Outlaw Realty
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Listen

Hoary Marmot Podcast

Joe Borden & Michele Veale Borden

Lastest Episode
See More Episodes
outlaw realty montana outlaw realty montana
ADVERTISEMENT
Outlaw Realty Big Sky Bozeman
ADVERTISEMENT

Upcoming Events

Jul 10
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

J. Carmichael performing at Bitter Root Brewing

Jul 11
11:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

June Show at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery

Jul 11
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Trivia at the Waypoint

Jul 12
10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Cretaceous Crossroads Education Celebration

Jul 12
11:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

June Show at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery

View Calendar
Event Calendar

Related Posts

New film fest to launch in Big Sky in September 
Arts & Entertainment

New film fest to launch in Big Sky in September 

July 10, 2025
Arts Council of Big Sky grows community impact
Arts & Entertainment

Arts Council of Big Sky grows community impact

July 10, 2025
David Yarrow photograph heads to Wildlands auction through Courtney Collins Fine Art
Arts & Entertainment

David Yarrow photograph heads to Wildlands auction through Courtney Collins Fine Art

July 9, 2025
Music in the Mountains opens with New Orleans soul
Arts & Entertainment

Music in the Mountains opens with New Orleans soul

June 30, 2025

An Outlaw Partners Publication

Facebook-f Instagram X-twitter Youtube

Explore Big Sky

  • About/Contact
  • Advertise
  • Publications
  • Subscriptions
  • Podcast
  • Submissions

Outlaw Brands

  • Mountain Outlaw
  • Plan Yellowstone
  • Big Sky PBR
  • Wildlands Music
  • Outlaw Partners
  • Outlaw Realty
  • Hey Bear

Copyright © 2025 Explore Big Sky | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Your Privacy Choices

No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Outlaw Partners
  • Yellowstone
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Real Estate
  • Events

©2024 Outlaw Partners, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Explore Big Sky Logo
  • News
    • Local
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Real Estate
    • Outlaw Partners
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Yellowstone
  • Events
Subscribe
Facebook X-twitter Instagram Youtube