Formaldehyde is a solvent used in a wide variety of applications,
such as permanent paper products, furniture, resins, building materials,
durable-press fabrics, and cosmetics. Formaldehyde is also a combustion
product present in cigarette smoke and vehicle exhaust. These applications
result in human exposure to formaldehyde through skin absorption
and inhalation.
Formaldehyde's chemical formula is HCHO and its Chemical Abstracts
Number (CAS No.) is 50-00-0. Formaldehyde, which has a long list
of aliases (e.g., Formalin, methylene glycol, BFV, Ivalon, and Morbicid)
is colorless and pungent-smelling in vapor form.
Exposure to gaseous formaldehyde can cause watery eyes, burning
sensation of mucus membranes, and difficulty breathing and is known
to trigger asthma attacks. Dermal exposure to formaldehyde may cause
skin rash or other allergic reactions. Formaldehyde is known to
cause cancer in animals and is a suspected human carcinogen.
If you are concerned about potential exposure to formaldehyde in
you office or production areas, please contact Environmental Standards
for assistance. |
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