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Formalin: A Threat To Public Health
Formalin: A Threat To Public Health
Formalin: A Threat To Public Health
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failure then death. 30ml is suggested the lethal dose of formalin. The limit
allowed in air that is still safe for human is less than 2ppm.
Formalin that was recently found in food, might not give such obvious reactions.
However, this substance is known as carcinogenic substance, can precipitate
cancer. A study showed mice exposed to formalin with concentration of 6 to
15ppm for 2 years developed squamous-cell carcinoma in the nostril. Some other
studies also show formalin will cause kidney, liver, and lung problems.
How will you help yourself detecting the foods with formalin inside? The fish will
be stiff, have rubbery meat, hard scales, red gills, clear eyes, doesn’t have the
“fishy smell” and no flies flying around. Unable to break the meat by hand, which
you usually could, only can be cut by a knife. Formalin will make the fish become
stiff, whitish and odorless. Even when cooked, i.e. fried, it will still be stiff. Its
consistency is more rubbery than usual, the surface tends to be hard, won’t spoil
after 24 hours. Normally after 24 hours, tofu would become slimy, brittle and
sour. If it is steamed, submerged in cold water, or kept in the fridge, it may last
longer. Wet noodles. Has yellowish colour, tends to be elastic, with a drug like
odour or ash-like odour when boiled or mixed with hot water.
How to avoid food with formalin? Fish, especially sea fish. Press the fish, if it feels
tender, it should be free of formalin. Choose fish which still has its fishy smell. It’s
best to buy live fish. Avoid dried salty fish. Choose one with smooth surface
consistency. It’s safer to consume egg tofu or water tofu (also known as Japanese
tofu), though this product can’t last long and is very brittle. Wet noodles. Try the
less attractive coloured ones.