What many people may not know is that our own bodies produce and use formaldehyde as a part of our normal metabolism (Final Report on Carcinogens Background Document for Formaldehyde [PDF], 2010). When we are exposed to methanol (e.g., via inhalation or ingestion of foods like citric fruits and juices, vegetables or fermented beverages), our bodies break it down into formaldehyde and other byproducts. Our bodies produce formaldehyde as a result of DNA demethylation (an important process for controlling gene expression, e.g., in developing embryos) and other biological processes. It is such a regular part of human metabolism, that our normal, naturally produced blood concentrations are generally about 2-3μg of formaldehyde per gram of blood (or about 2.12-3.18μg/mL)*. And it is actually a pretty important chemical; our bodies use formaldehyde to form DNA and amino acids (Toxicological Profile for Formaldehyde [PDF], ATSDR, 1999).
What is formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a rather strong odor, made up of a carbon atom, two hydrogen atoms and an atom of oxygen, CH2O. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Many textile industries use formaldehyde in their production processes.
Here is a link where you can learn more about the use of formaldehyde in manufacturing. Safety concerns do arise and OSHA has guidelines for manufacturers to follow.
With the ubiquitous manufacture and use of this chemical, questions about its safety naturally arise. OSHA has rather extensive guidelines on its safe use and health effects. Harpocrates sums it up nicely: "Acute, short-term exposure to large amounts can be fatal. Long-term chronic exposure to inhaled or topical formaldehyde can result in respiratory illnesses, skin irritation and has long been a suspected carcinogen. In 2011, the U.S. government changed its designation from "reasonably likely" to cause cancer in humans, based on cancer studies in animals, to "known carcinogen". However, these health issues are primarily a risk for those who regularly work with large, industrial quantities of the substance; they are exposed to much higher levels than the rest of us." Harpocrates also sums up well the risks from formaldehyde exposure and how much is in vaccines:
- HepB - Recombivax - 3 doses (birth, 1-2 mos. and 6-18 mos.) - 7.5μg/dose
- DTaP - Infanrix - 5 doses (2 mos., 4 mos., 6 mos., 15-18 mos. and 4-6 yrs.) - 100μg/dose
- Hib - ActHIB - 3 doses (2 mos., 4 mos. and 12-15 mos.) - 0.5μg/dose
- IPV - IPOL - 4 doses (2 mos., 4 mos., 6-18 mos. and 4-6 yrs.) - 100μg/dose
- Influenza - Fluzone - 7 doses (6 mos., 12 mos. and yearly 2-6 yrs.) - 100μg/dose
- HepA - Havrix - 2 doses (12 mos. and 6-18 mos. after first dose) - 100μg/dose
Now, what about formaldehyde that we come into contact with on a regular basis and is already in our bodies? Some people may not realize that our own bodies produce and use formaldehyde as a part of our normal metabolism. When we are exposed to methanol, via ingestion of fruits and vegies, our bodies break it down into formaldehyde and other byproducts. Our bodies produce formaldehyde as a result of biological processes. It is such a regular part of human metabolism, that our normal, naturally produced blood concentrations are generally about 2.12-3.18μg/mL.
Now compare that to what is in food. Apples have as much as 22mg/kg, pears as much as 60, cauliflower as much as 27. Keep in mind that one mg is 1000 ug, so apples have 22,000 ug so a vaccine has a really really really tiny amount of formaldehyde, less than you eat daily and less than your baby is currently making in her body.
So, what is there, really, to worry about?
1kg = 1,000g = 1,000,000mg = 1,000,000,000μg
references:
- http://www.inchem.org/documents/hsg/hsg/v105hsg.htm
- http://silencedbyageofautism.blogspot.com/2012/04/demystifying-vaccine-ingredients.html
- http://justthevax.blogspot.com/2009/05/toxin-gambit-part-1-formaldehyde.html
