You've heard of formaldehyde, haven't you? It's the stuff they use on dead bodies to delay decomposition. Creepy. What's even creepier — and much more worrisome — are the dangers that exposure to formaldehyde create for living bodies and the many ways this dangerous chemical finds its way into our homes. Exposure to formaldehyde is linked to a number of health issues, including asthma and cancer. It's often emitted over many years from certain pressed wood furniture pieces, carpet adhesives, and certain kinds of paint. However, there are other, much more surprising sources of formaldehyde in our homes. Here are some of the sources you should know about and ways you can Do Your Part to make a healthier choice.

Hair Products

Usually, we don't think twice about what goes into our shampoos, hair gels, or even certain straightening treatments. Now, you'll know better. Formaldehyde is released by popular preservatives hidden in personal care products. Even some trendy professional hair straightening treatments are now testing positive for high amounts of formaldehyde even when they claim to be formaldehyde-free.

What should you do? Shop for products without the ingredients quaternium-15, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidnyl urea, formalin, and methylene oxide. And, when at a salon make sure to ask your stylist about the products being used on your hair.

Nail Polish

The next time you pick out a pretty shade of nail polish, make sure you aren't painting your nails with formaldehyde. That's because formaldehyde is often used in polishes to act as a preservative and as a nail hardener.

What should you do? The key is to pick nail polishes that are water-based. The good news is that some of the bigger nail polish brands are phasing out formaldehyde in their products.

Kids' Dishware

You've probably seen them — those brightly colored, hard plastic dishes and utensils made just for kiddies. These very things may actually be bad for them. Specifically, the ones made with melamine resin that is known to release formaldehyde.

What should you do? There are plenty of stylish, kid-friendly, and practical dishware sets available these days. Parents should look for ones made from non-toxic plastics, stainless steel, or even sustainable materials such as bamboo.

Air Fresheners

Here's something that doesn't smell too sweet. The four basic ingredients in the popular air fresheners we place inside our home are formaldehyde, petroleum distillates, p-dichlorobenzene, and aerosol propellants. Here's another dirty side of air fresheners. They usually work by coating your nasal passages, deadening your ability to smell, or by covering up offending odors instead of getting rid of them.

What should you do? Use natural and non-toxic methods to get rid of unpleasant odors. Inexpensive baking soda works wonders and can be used most anywhere you have stinky odors. Soy candles and essential oils are safer ways to create pleasing scents in your home. And opening a few windows and airing things out is a quick, no-cost solution to fighting odors.

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(Terri Bennett is a veteran TV meteorologist, syndicated columnist, and host of DoYourPart.com where you can find everyday green living ideas that are better for you and the planet. Send questions to terri@doyourpart.com.)

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