Question from TZ
I am an artists who uses acrylic mediums in large quantity. This December I spent a particularly intense period of time using these mediums. They contain small amounts of ammonia and formaldehyde. As it was the dead of winter, I did not have adequate ventilation. I immediately developed intense insomnia. The insomnia continued, even though my exposure stopped. It may be complicated by a growing anxiety about sleeping. I use cotton flannel sheets at home. Are there long term effects to this kind of exposure? If so, how can they be reversed? Do I need to see a doctor familiar with chemical exposure?
Debra’s Answer
Exposure to formaldehyde such as you had can effect the immune system in the long run and make your body more sensitive to formaldehyde and other chemcials, resulting in multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS).
You can recover from this, though it will take minimizing your exposure to chemicals and various other steps.
