Facts on Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colourless, flammable, strong-smelling gas. It is an important industrial chemical used to manufacture building materials and to produce many household products. It is used in pressed wood products such as particleboard, plywood, and fibreboard, glues and adhesives, permanent press fabrics, paper product coatings, and certain insulation materials. When exposed to formaldehyde, some individuals may experience various short-term health effects such as watery eyes, burning sensations of the eyes, nose and throat, coughing, wheezing, nausea and skin irritation. Some people are very sensitive to formaldehyde, while others have no reaction to the same level of exposure. However, research studies of workers exposed to formaldehyde have suggested an association between formaldehyde exposure and cancers of the nasal sinuses, nasopharynx, and brain, and possibly leukemia. Formaldehyde has been classified as a human carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and as a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Psychology of colour
The following beliefs are generalizations and may differ from culture to culture, or from person to person.
- Orange promotes feelings of excitement. It makes one feel vibrant, improves appetite, and enhances social interaction.
- Green makes one feel cool, fresh and elegant. It also represents nature, and therefore, promotes balance, harmony, peace, hope and stability.
- Mauve and pink are colours that symbolize romance.
- Pinks, peaches, blues and greens can make a room feel restful.
- Red can raise ones blood pressure.
- Blue, if it is warmed from its pure form, can reduce stress and relieve tension.
- Purple can comfort and relieve strain.
- Yellow makes one feel cheerful.
- Black, white and grey are thought of as stark, restful or clean.
- All colours can have a positive or negative affect. The affect depends on the individual, the extend of colour use, and the purity or saturation of the hue. For example, red used in a large space can be (positive) welcoming; nurturing, energizing, invigorating, or it can feel (negative) aggressiveness. Red in a small space, can be (positive) cozy, intimate, or (negative) claustrophobic.
- Every colour can have a warm or color tone to it. Generally, warm hues should be used in spaces where there is activity, and cool colours should be reserved for restful spaces.
- Wearing, and surrounding yourself, with your favourite colours, lifts your spirits.
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