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GPS Safety Summary
Formaldehyde
GPS Safety Summary
SUBSTANCE NAME
Formaldehyde
GENERAL STATEMENT
The environmental effects, ecotoxicology and toxicology information available for this chemical is
provided based on studies and/or a reliable evaluation of its hazardous properties. See Health and
Environmental Effects.
This chemical should not enter surface water, groundwater water and soil. See Risk Management
Recommendations.
CHEMICAL IDENTITY
Name
Product names
Chemical name (IUPAC)
CAS number
EC number
Synonyms
Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde
Methanal; Methyl Aldehyde
50-00-0
200-001-8
Methylene Oxide; Formalin; Methaldehyde
USES AND APPLICATION
Formaldehyde 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, and cosmetics.
PHYSICAL / CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Formaldehyde is a colorless gas at standard temperature and pressure. It has a characteristic,
unpleasant odor. It is extremely flammable.
Property
Value
Density
10 kg/cm3
Melting / Boiling point
-1170°C/ -19.3°C
Explosive Properties
May form explosive gas-air mixtures
Explosive Limits, Volume % in Air
LEL: 7 % vol; UEL: 73% vol
Auto-ignition temperature
430°C
Relative vapour density
1.08
Molecular weight
30.03
Flashpoint
Not applicable. Flammable Gas.
HEALTH EFFECTS
Low levels of formaldehyde can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. Higher levels may
cause tearing, blurred vision or burning sensations. Formaldehyde is highly toxic by inhalation. It is
possible that people with asthma may be more sensitive to the effects of inhaled formaldehyde.
Inhalation may cause lung oedema, an effect which may not be immediately apparent. Formaldehyde
is toxic if ingested or absorbed through the skin. Drinking large amounts of formaldehyde can cause
severe pain, vomiting, coma, and possible death. Chronic exposure to formaldehyde may cause cancer.
Effect Assessment
Result
Acute toxicity (oral, dermal and inhalation)
Toxic by inhalation, ingestion by skin absorption.
Eye / Skin irritation
Severely irritating – may cause irreversible damage to
eyes /Irritating to skin
Sensitization
May cause sensitization
Toxicity after repeated exposure
Repeated exposure consistent with acute oral, dermal
and inhalation toxicity
Genotoxicity / mutagenicity
No data available
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GPS Safety Summary
Formaldehyde
Carcinogenicity
Toxicity for reproduction
Suspected human carcinogen
No data available
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
Formaldehyde dissolves easily but does not last a long time in water. Most formaldehyde in the air
breaks down during the day. The breakdown products of formaldehyde are formic acid and carbon
monoxide. Formaldehyde does not build up in plants and animals.
Effect Assessment
Result
Aquatic toxicity
No data available.
Fate and Behaviour
Biodegradation
Bioaccumulation potential
PBT / vPvB conclusion
Result
No data available.
No data available.
No data available.
EXPOSURE
Human health
Smog is a major source of formaldehyde exposure. Cigarettes and other tobacco products, gas cookers,
and open fireplaces are sources of formaldehyde exposure. It is used in many industries and in
hospitals and laboratories. Formaldehyde is given off as a gas from the manufactured wood products
used in new mobile homes. The amount of formaldehyde in foods is very small. Household sources,
such as fiberglass, carpets, permanent press fabrics, paper products, and some househould cleaners.
Normal industrial practices assure limited workplace exposures. These practices include handling
with good ventilation. All workers are trained in the properties and safe practices of using chemicals
including using personal protective clothing.
Environment
Care should be taken to ensure that formaldehyde is not released to the environment.
RISK MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
When using chemicals make sure that there is adequate ventilation. Always use appropriate chemical
resistant gloves to protect your hands and skin and always wear eye protection such as chemical
goggles. Do not eat, drink, or smoke where chemicals are handled, processed or stored. All releases
that may include the substance must be directed to a wastewater treatment plant that removes the
substance from the final releases to the receiving water. Releases to air are not expected and therefore
no specific recommendations are required.
STATE AGENCY REVIEW
• EU-GHS Regulation (EU) No. 1272/2008
• EU-Risk Assessment (Regulation 793/93)
• IPCS International Chemical Safety Card
REGULATORY INFORMATION / CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING
GHS-Labeling
Statutory basis
EU-GHS as per Regulation (EU) No. 1272/2008
Symbol(s)
Signal word
Danger
H301: Toxic if swallowed.
H311: Toxic in contact with skin.
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GPS Safety Summary
Formaldehyde
H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction.
H331: Toxic if inhaled.
H351: Suspected of causing cancer.
CONTACT INFORMATION WITHIN COMPANY
Email address
USA product.regulatory.services@evonik.com
GLOSSARY
Acute toxicity
Biodegradable
Bioaccumulation
Carcinogenicity
Chronic toxicity
GHS
Mutagenicity
Reprotoxicity
Sensitizing
Teratogenic
harmful effects after a single exposure
breakdown of materials by a physiological environment
accumulation of substances in the environment
effects causing cancer
harmful effects after repeated exposures
Global Harmonized System on Classification and Labelling
effects that change genes
combining teratogenicity, embryo toxicity and harmful effects on fertility
allergenic
effects on fetal morphology
DATE OF ISSUE
2011-10-21
New
Disclaimer:
This GPS Safety Summary is based on Evonik´s present knowledge and experience as of the date of issue.
However, it implies no liability or other legal responsibility on the part of Evonik, including with regards to
existing third party intellectual property rights, especially patent rights. In no event shall Evonik be responsible
for damages of any nature whatsoever resulting from the use of or reliance upon the information herein or the
chemical to which that information refers. In particular, no warranty, whether express or implied, or guarantee
in the legal sense is intended or implied by Evonik.
This GPS Safety Summary is only intended to provide general information about the chemical referred to herein
but not any in-depth health and safety information. The information in this GPS Safety Summary is supplied on
the condition that the persons receiving the same will make their own determination as to its suitability for their
purposes prior to use. This GPS Safety Summary does not supersede or replace required regulatory and/or legal
communication documents.
Performance of the chemical described herein should be verified by testing which should be carried out only by
qualified experts.
Evonik reserves the right to make any changes to this GPS Safety Summary in accordance with technological
progress or further developments. Reference to trade names used by other companies is neither a
recommendation, nor does it imply, that similar products could not be used.