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Persons exposed only to formaldehyde vapor do not pose substantial risks of secondary contamination. Persons whose clothing or skin is contaminated with a solution of formaldehyde can cause secondary contamination by direct contact or through off-gassing vapor.
- Formaldehyde is a colorless, highly toxic, and flammable gas at room temperature that is slightly heavier than air. It has a pungent, highly irritating odor that is detectable at low concentrations, but may not provide adequate warning of hazardous concentrations for sensitized persons.
- It is used most often in an aqueous solution stabilized with methanol (formalin).
- Most formaldehyde exposures occur by inhalation or by skin or eye contact. Formaldehyde is absorbed well by the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and, to a lesser extent, skin.
Formaldehyde is a nearly colorless gas with a pungent, irritating odor even at very low concentrations (below 1 ppm). Its vapors are flammable and explosive. Because the pure gas tends to polymerize, it is commonly used and stored in solution. Formalin, the aqueous solution of formaldehyde (30% to 50% formaldehyde), typically contains up to 15% methanol as a stabilizer.
Routes of Exposure
Inhalation
Most formaldehyde exposures occur by inhalation or by skin/eye contact. Formaldehyde vapor is readily absorbed from the lungs. In cases of acute exposure, formaldehyde will most likely be detected by smell; however, persons who are sensitized to formaldehyde may experience headaches and minor eye and airway irritation at levels below the odor threshold (odor threshold is 0.5 to 1.0 ppm; OSHA PEL is 0.75 ppm). For sensitized persons, odor is not an adequate indicator of formaldehyde's presence and may not provide reliable warning of hazardous concentrations. Odor adaptation can occur. Low-dose acute exposure can result in headache, rhinitis, and dyspnea; higher doses may cause severe mucous membrane irritation, burning, and lacrimation, and lower respiratory effects such as bronchitis, pulmonary edema, or pneumonia. Sensitive individuals may experience asthma and dermatitis, even at very low doses. Formaldehyde vapors are slightly heavier than air and can result in asphyxiation in poorly ventilated, enclosed, or lowlying areas.
Children exposed to the same levels of formaldehyde as adults may receive larger doses because they have greater lung surface area:body weight ratios and increased minute volumes:weight ratios. In addition, they may be exposed to higher levels than adults in the same location because of their short stature and the higher levels of formaldehyde found nearer to the ground.
Skin/Eye Contact
Ocular exposure to formaldehyde vapors produces irritation and lacrimation. Depending on the concentration, formaldehyde solutions may cause transient discomfort and irritation or more severe effects, including corneal opacification and loss of vision. Formaldehyde is absorbed through intact skin and may cause irritation or allergic dermatitis; rapid metabolism makes systemic effects unlikely following dermal exposure.
Children are more vulnerable to toxicants absorbed through the skin because of their relatively larger surface area:body weight ratio.
What is formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is a nearly colorless, highly irritating gas with a sharp odor. It dissolves easily in water and is found in formalin (a solution of formaldehyde, water, and methanol). Formaldehyde is used in the manufacture of plastics; urea-formaldehyde foam insulation; and resins used to make construction materials (e.g., plywood), paper, carpets, textiles, paint, and furniture.
What immediate health effects can result from formaldehyde exposure?
Formaldehyde can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, even at low levels for short periods. Longer exposure or higher doses can cause coughing or choking. Severe exposure can cause death from throat swelling or from chemical burns to the lungs. Direct contact with the skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal tract can cause serious burns. Drinking as little as 30 mL (about 2 tablespoons) of formalin can cause death. Formate, a formaldehyde metabolite, can cause death or serious systemic effects. Generally, the more serious the exposure to formaldehyde, the more severe the symptoms. Previously sensitized persons may develop a skin rash or breathing problems from very small exposures.
Can formaldehyde poisoning be treated?
There is no antidote for formaldehyde, but its effects can be treated, and most exposed persons get well. Patients who have had a serious exposure (with signs and symptoms such as tearing eyes, running nose, or severe or persistent coughing) may need to be hospitalized. Patients with direct exposure to very concentrated vapors or liquid or who have swallowed formalin may require intensive hospital treatment and may experience long-term effects.
Are any future health effects likely to occur?
A single small exposure from which a person recovers quickly is not likely to cause delayed or longterm effects. After a severe exposure, some symptoms may not occur for up to 18 hours. See Follow-up Instructions for signs and symptoms to watch for. If any of them occur, seek medical care. Long-term, repeated exposure to formaldehyde in the workplace may cause cancer of the nasal passages.
What tests can be done if a person has been exposed to formaldehyde?
Specific tests for the presence of formaldehyde in blood or urine may be available, but the results generally are not useful to the doctor. If a severe exposure has occurred, blood and urine analyses and other tests may show whether the lungs have been injured or if systemic effects are possible. If seizures or convulsions have occurred neurobehavioral toxicity testing may be necessary. Testing is not needed in every case. |
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Symptoms of Formaldehyde Exposure:
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Asthma Attacks |
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Blurred Vision |
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Eye irritiation |
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Shortness of Breath |
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Sinus Infections |
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Skin rashes |
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Coughing |
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Dizziness |
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Headaches |
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Nausea |
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Nosebleeds |
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Wheezing |
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Formaldehyde has been classified as a human carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and as a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
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