Originally Posted by pieces
I can assure you that plastic containers (those that are flexible, that most storage containers are made from.)(not hard containers like yogurt containers) do outgass formaldehyde.
Several years ago, as I started my fabric stash. I stored them in plastic storage containers. I always prewashed my fabric to remove excess dyes. When I opened my container a strong smell was omitted. I immediately developed respiratory distress. My "doctor" said it was formaldehyde outgassing.
formaldehyde is still used to make/process lots of stuff. it's a real problem when new office buildings go up and get furnished with poly upholstery and carpeting. the fumes are circulated through the building via the air conditioning ducts (god forbid you could open a window) and people get sick and even develop asthma. only fairly recently has it become known what the cause is. the practice has been stopped in many places.