One. Is wallpaper toxic?
Generally, wallpaper products manufactured by reputable companies and meeting quality standards are non-toxic. However, purchasing products from smaller manufacturers to save money may pose a risk.
If the wallpaper is made of non-environmentally friendly materials that do not meet national standards, it will release toxic substances, causing indoor air pollution. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase wallpaper from reputable brands that meet national standards, rather than choosing products from small manufacturers solely for visual appeal or low prices.
Two. What are the potential hazards of wallpapering a room?
If the wallpaper applied in the room is environmentally friendly, healthy, and has undergone strict testing and production, it poses no harm to the human body. However, if substandard wallpaper is applied, the potential hazards are significant. The main harmful substances in substandard wallpaper include heavy metals, formaldehyde, and aromatic hydrocarbons. Let's take a look:
1、Heavy metals
Some low-quality inks often contain a large amount of heavy metal residues. The main ones include: mercury, lead, cadmium, chromium (hexavalent), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBB), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 1,4-dioxane, perfluorinated octanesulfonic acid (PFOS/PFOA), etc. These heavy metals are difficult to naturally degrade and remove, and can easily lead to health problems such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, and joint pain in humans. Heavy metals are highly toxic, and if the heavy metal content in wallpaper exceeds the standard, it poses a significant health hazard.
2、Formaldehyde
For some low-quality wallpapers or wallpapers that have not passed relevant department inspections, there is a risk of exceeding formaldehyde levels. This is primarily due to the low-quality wallpaper itself and the adhesive used. As everyone knows, formaldehyde poses health risks, including throat irritation, redness, headaches, and dizziness.
3、 Benzene
Phenolic substances are present in the backing layer of substandard wallpaper, often exhibiting unusual odors or irritating smells. Prolonged exposure to phenolic substances can lead to symptoms such as drowsiness, tinnitus, upper respiratory tract infections, skin allergies, and even leukemia, posing a significant threat to health.
4、TVOC
TVOC (Total Volatile Organic Compounds) are volatile organic compounds that can disrupt the body's immune system, affect the function of the central nervous system, and cause symptoms such as dizziness, headache, drowsiness, fatigue, and chest tightness. TVOC can also affect the digestive system, leading to loss of appetite and nausea. In severe cases, it can damage the liver and hematopoietic system, causing allergic reactions.