Continuation of my earlier post about the relative safety of Bubble Jet Set...
Mr. Jenkins' point was that the only "carcinogen" in Bubble Jet Set is formaldehyde and that formaldehyde is already present everywhere, anyway.
He referred me to information about formaldehyde which was drawn from the ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry). That is the congressionally mandated agency to perform specific functions concerning the effect on public health of hazardous substances in the environment. That agency’s information on formaldehyde is available at
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/phs111.html
That information basically says that our own bodies produce some formaldehyde and that we are exposed to it daily via many routes. It is in many home products and you may breathe in formaldehyde while using these products. Latex paint, fingernail hardener, and fingernail polish release a large amount of formaldehyde to the air. Plywood and particle board, as well as furniture and cabinets made from them, fiberglass products, new carpets, decorative laminates, and some permanent press fabrics give off a moderate amount of formaldehyde. Some paper products, such as grocery bags and paper towels, give off small amounts of formaldehyde. Because these products contain formaldehyde, you may also be exposed on the skin by touching or coming in direct contact with them. You may also be exposed to small amounts of formaldehyde in the food you eat. You are not likely to be exposed to formaldehyde in the water you drink because it does not last a long time in water.
Many other home products contain and give off formaldehyde although the amount has not been carefully measured. These products include household cleaners, carpet cleaners, disinfectants, cosmetics, medicines, fabric softeners, glues, lacquers, and antiseptics. You may also breathe formaldehyde if you use unvented gas or kerosene heaters indoors or if you or someone else smokes a cigar, cigarette, or pipe indoors.
You are exposed to small amounts of formaldehyde in the air. It occurs from both natural and man made sources although combustion is the largest source. If you live in an unpopulated area, you may be exposed to about 0.2 parts per billion (ppb) of formaldehyde in the air outdoors. In suburban areas, you may be exposed to about 2–6 ppb of formaldehyde. If you live in a heavily populated area or near some industries, you may be exposed to 10–20 ppb. You may also be exposed to higher levels of formaldehyde during rush hour commutes in highly populated areas because it is formed in automobile and truck exhaust.
So, quilters ... if you have paint on your walls or carpet, furniture, cabinets, fabric softener, fingernail polish, grocery bags, etc. in your home or if you drive a vehicle or if you use cosmetics or are EVER around smokers, you are already “exposed” to formaldehyde.
Personally, I’ll take my chances with Bubble Jet Set rather than jettison all of these products from my home and forego riding on the highway!
I think that we can forget about the supposed "dangers" of using this product!
BethMI
