Defects in electrical and gas appliances can cause serious personal injury in Tennessee to residents. When something goes wrong internally in these appliances, components can overheat, burn, and emit formaldehyde vapors. For example, formaldehyde resin is used to insulate electrical components in stoves. If there is a malfunction in the stove, the insulating material can burn and unleash toxic vapors into the air.
Everyone is exposed to formaldehyde to some degree. It is found in such products as Latex paint, fingernail hardener and polish, plywood and particle board, electronics, fiberglass, carpets and fabrics, food, household cleaners, and cigarettes. While exposure in small amounts is not necessarily toxic, too much exposure can cause some serious problems.
You cannot detect formaldehyde if you are exposed to only small amounts. At higher concentrations, however, it has a strong, pungent odor and may cause a burning sensation to the eyes, nose, and lungs. Adverse reactions to exposure vary from person to person depending on their individual sensitivity.
Symptoms of toxic exposure to formaldehyde caused by defective products range from mild to serious. They include:
- irritation of the eyes along with increased tearing,
- nose irritation,
- throat irritation,
- aggravation of asthma,
- severe pain,
- vomiting,
- skin rash/burn, and
- coma.
Over-exposure may also lead to cancer, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Parkinson’s disease has also been found to be caused by overexposure to toxins in the air.
While research on formaldehyde exposure is ongoing, some standards and guidelines have been issued by governmental agencies. For example, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry has set minimal risk levels for short term inhalation of formaldehyde at 40 parts per billion (“ppb”) and 8 ppb for long term inhalation. In a case we are currently investigating, an air sample of a home showed 95 ppb of formaldehyde in the air and 53 ppb acetonitrile (which can be metabolized in the liver to produce formaldehyde). The residents currently suffer from many of the symptoms described above.
Your health and the health of your loved ones may be in danger if you own a stove made by Electrolux, Tappan, or other brand and have noticed a strong, pungent odor during use of the stove. If you are experiencing serious adverse health effects as a result of a defective stove or other appliance, we can help. Please consult one of our experienced Tennessee products liability attorneys at Baker Associates by calling 866-853-2888. There is no charge for a case evaluation.