At room temperature, formaldehyde is a colourless, flammable gas that
has a distinct, pungent smell. It is also known as methanal, methylene
oxide, oxymethyline, methylaldehyde, and oxomethane. Formaldehyde is
naturally produced in small amounts in our bodies.
It is used in the production of fertilizer, paper, plywood, and
urea-formaldehyde resins. It is also used as a preservative in some foods
and in many products used around the house, such as antiseptics,
medicines, cosmetics and personal care products. (It is also used as a
preservative in vaccines and given to children. Other exposure to
formaldehyde occurs from out-gassing when synthetic materials such as
carpets and foam used in cushions etc reach a certain temperature. Eds
note)
How can formaldehyde affect my health?
Low levels of formaldehyde can cause irritation of the eyes, nose,
throat, and skin. It is possible that people with asthma may be more
sensitive to the effects of inhaled formaldehyde.
Drinking large amounts of formaldehyde can cause severe pain, vomiting,
coma, and possible death.
How likely is formaldehyde to cause cancer?
Some studies of people exposed to formaldehyde in workplace air found
more cases of cancer of the nose and throat than expected, but other
studies did not confirm this finding.
In animal studies, rats exposed to high levels of formaldehyde in air
developed nose cancer. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
has determined that formaldehyde may reasonably be anticipated to be a
carcinogen. (No long term studies have been done on low-level exposure to
formaldehyde from multiple sources absorbed into the system over many
years. Eds note)
How does formaldehyde affect children?
The most common route of exposure is by breathing it, which is likely
to cause nose and eye irritation (burning, itchy, tearing, and sore
throat) and asthma in children as well as in adults. (Other common methods
of absorption are via vaccines containing formaldehyde and from children's
shampoos and bubble baths - many personal care products contain
formaldehyde which is readily absorbed through the skin. Eds note)
Animal studies suggest that formaldehyde will not cause birth defects
in humans. It is not likely to be transferred to a child in breast milk.
How can families reduce the risk of exposure to formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is usually found in the air, and levels are usually higher
indoors than outdoors. Opening windows and using fans to bring fresh air
indoors are the easiest ways to lower levels in the house. Not smoking and
not using unvented heaters indoors can lower the formaldehyde levels.
Removing formaldehyde sources in the home can reduce exposure.
Formaldehyde is given off from a number of products used in the home.
Providing fresh air, sealing unfinished manufactured wood surfaces, and
washing new permanent press clothing before wearing can help lower
exposure. (Ensure products listing formaldehyde as an ingredient in them
are not used in the home or for your personal care products. If in doubt
about household cleaners due to lack of labelling, discard the products
and use certified safe
products. Eds Note)
Is there a medical test to show whether I've been exposed to
formaldehyde?
Laboratory tests can measure formaldehyde in blood, urine, and breath.
These tests do not tell you how much formaldehyde you have been exposed to
or if harmful effects will occur. The tests are not routinely available at
your doctor's office.
Has the federal government made recommendations to protect human
health?
The EPA recommends that an adult should not drink water containing more
than 1 milligram of formaldehyde per liter of water (1 mg/L) for a
lifetime exposure, and a child should not drink water containing more than
10 mg/L for 1 day or 5 mg/L for 10 days.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set a
permissable exposure limit for formaldehyde of 0.75 parts per million (ppm)
for an 8-hour workday, 40-hour workweek.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
recommends an exposure limit of 0.016 ppm.
Source of Information
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). 1999.
Toxicological profile for formaldehyde. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services, Public Health Service.
Animal testing is sometimes necessary to find out how toxic substances
might harm people and how to treat people who have been exposed. Laws
today protect the welfare of research animals and scientists must follow
strict guidelines.
Where can I get more information?
ATSDR can tell you where to find occupational and environmental health
clinics. Their specialists can recognize, evaluate, and treat illnesses
resulting from exposure to hazardous substances. You can also contact your
community or state health or environmental quality department if you have
any more questions or concerns.
For more information, contact:
- Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
- Division of Toxicology
- 1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop E-29
- Atlanta, GA 30333
- Phone: 1-888-422-8737
- FAX: (404)498-0057
