-------- Original Message --------
Subject:        RE: Speaking of potential toxins . . . Nautical Charts?
Date:   Thu, 12 Mar 2009 12:10:56 -0500
From:   Doug Behm <[log in to unmask]>
To:     <[log in to unmask]>
References:     A<[log in to unmask]>



As formaldehyde is a VOC, I would think that it dissipate fairly rapidly. The problem with formaldehyde in wood paneling is that it is emitted from the binders in the plywood making it available to be inhaled.

In the handbook of occupational dermatology is says that formaldehyde are used in paper to improve wet strength, shrink resistance and other characteristics of paper. It is used as a preservative in paper manufacture and in the preparation of finishes, sizing agents and parchment paper. Paper towels may contain melamine-formaldehyde to increase resistance to water and paper money to increase mildew resistance. Wrapping paper, newspapers and other papers may cause dermatitis from presence of free formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde is also part of the fixing process in printing of T-shirts.



======================================================
Douglas D. Behm, P.G.                      [log in to unmask]
University Geologist
Office of Land Management and Real Estate Services
University of Alabama

-----Original Message-----
From: Maps, Air Photo & Geospatial Systems Forum [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Maps-L Moderator for Linda Zellmer
Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 10:50 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Speaking of potential toxins . . . Nautical Charts?

-------- Original Message --------
Subject:        Speaking of potential toxins . . . Nautical Charts?
Date:   Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:11:42 -0500 (CDT)
From:   Linda R Zellmer <[log in to unmask]>
To:     Map&AirPhotoDiscussionList <[log in to unmask]>



Hello,

The recent discussion on potential toxins on fumigated maps brought to mind the Material Handling Data Sheet (MSDS for short), which I received many years ago about nautical charts. You can see a digital version at:

http://www2.itap.purdue.edu/msds/docs/6700.pdf

Apparently, the nautical charts are (were?) printed with ink that contains formaldehyde. Thus, there are some potential concerns for people who handle them. I am not sure if this is still the case. However, it should influence disposal decisions (no recycling).

At the time, the charts were printed by the Defense Mapping Agency. Linda Zellmer

--
Linda Zellmer
Government Information & Data Services Librarian
415 Malpass Library
Macomb, IL 61455
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Phone: 309-298-2723
Fax: 309-298-2791