Illinois Fire May have Exposed Residents to Hazardous Chemicals

The environmental consultants at EC2 provide testing services for formaldehyde and other potentially harmful chemicals.
 
 
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July 9, 2012 - PRLog -- Last month, 35 fire departments responded to a major industrial fire at a plastics plant in Zion, Illinois.  Due to heavy smoke and toxic fumes, evacuations were ordered for a 1 mile radius south of the fire that lasted approximately 2 hours.  

One of the reasons for the large evacuation area was due to concerns over formaldehyde being released from chemicals burning at the plastics plant.  Emergency responders wore full protective gear to protect themselves against the smoke and fumes.

The danger from exposure to formaldehyde and other toxic fumes during industrial fires is recognized by most people.  However, many people do not recognize that exposure to formaldehyde likely occurs on a daily basis.    Although formaldehyde is widely used in industry, it is also found in many consumer products and common building materials. According to an OSHA Fact Sheet about formaldehyde, “…formaldehyde is also found in many products such as chemicals, particle board, household products, glues, permanent press fabrics, paper product coatings, fiberboard, and plywood.” Formaldehyde is also a by-product of combustion and other processes.  

Recently, formaldehyde was added to the list of chemicals known to cause cancer when the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, working through the National Toxicology Program, released the 12th Report on Carcinogens.   Its volatility makes it a significant issue regarding human health.

“Many common building materials and household products contain and may off-gas formaldehyde,” reported Ed Chambers, President of EC2, a leading Midwest environmental and indoor air quality (IAQ) consulting firm.  “Exposure to elevated levels of formaldehyde can trigger asthma attacks, nausea, watery eyes, headaches and difficulty breathing.  EC2 offers air testing services to determine if high levels of formaldehyde are found in residential, institutional and commercial properties,” he continued.

EC2 recently helped sponsor a video on formaldehyde dangers in the home.  It can be viewed at:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yD4pTC8GVpE



To learn more about how EC2 can help prevent IAQ problems and unnecessary exposure to formaldehyde, please visit http://www.4ec2inc.com, email info@4ec2inc.com or call (815) 703-9000.    

About EC2, Inc.
EC2 is a leading provider of environmental consulting and inspection services for clients across the United States.  Based in the Chicago area, the company provides their services to clients ranging from local companies and institutions to International Fortune 500 Corporations.
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