Formaldehyde causes more cancer than any other toxic chemical in the air. It’s emitted from cars, trucks, planes, industrial facilities and many other sources. It’s also formed in the atmosphere when other chemicals combine in the presence of sunlight. Even if you don’t live in a high-traffic area or an industrial zone, the geography and climate of your area could increase your cancer risk from formaldehyde because of this so-called “secondary formation.”
ProPublica is releasing a lookup tool that allows anyone in the country to understand their outdoor risk from formaldehyde. Search for your address to see risks from the chemical on your block and where it comes from.
This content originally appeared on ProPublica and was authored by by Al Shaw and Sharon Lerner.