Carcinogenic Gas

Public health experts attending a Harvard-sponsored conference yesterday heard evidence that a gas known to cause cancer in laboratory test animals is being released at dangerous levels by certain synthetic fabrics and building materials.

Several scientists described recent research, which showed that the amount of formaldehyde gas released by materials like foam insulation, when combined with similar releases from some synthetic clothing material, has caused cancer in rats and could be dangerous for humans.

Formaldehyde has long been known as a carcinogen, but scientists have only recently proved that its presence in a wide variety of synthetic products may be a threat to consumers' health.

The gas is used to impregnate dyes in certain fabrics and materials but escapes slowly from some products over varying periods of time.

John Spengler, associate professor of environmental policy and a conference participant, said in an interview between presentations that concentrations of six parts per million of formaldehyde in air causes nasal cancer in rats, and that this level is "not much higher than what is found in some homes." He added that dangerous levels are not present in most buildings and are largely confined to mobile homes.

More common effects of formaldehyde gas include eye, throat and nose irritation.

Spengler said that people should not be alarmed by the research findings because scientists have not determined how widespread the dangerous gas levels are. He added that better methods of measuring the gas levels are needed, and that the federal government should give more support for the research.

The symposium was held at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst campus. More than 400 scientists from several different countries attended.