redLikely to cause
orangeCan cause
yellowMay cause

Formaldehyde

CAS: 50-00-0

How can this chemical affect my health?

Acute (Short Term) Effects

Toxic To Humans & Animals, priority yellow
Toxic to Humans & Animals – Toxicity or fatality on contact, ingestion or inhalation to humans and other mammals.
Skin Irritation, priority orange
Skin Irritation – Irritation or serious damage to the skin.
Eye Irritation, priority yellow
Eye Irritation – Irritation or serious damage to the eyes.

Chronic (Long Term) Effects

Allergen/asthmagen, priority yellow
Allergen/Asthmagen – Immune system responses that result in respiratory health effects that occur with increased sensitivity to lower and lower exposures over time.
Cancer, priority red
Cancer – Increased cancer risk.
Skin Sensitization, priority yellow
Skin Sensitization – Allergic skin reactions.
Gene Damage, priority orange
Gene Damage – Increases in the rate of mutations, which are changes in genetic material in cells.
Endocrine Disruption, priority orange
Endocrine Disruption – Interference with the endocrine system, which plays a crucial role in metabolism, development, growth, reproduction and behavior.
Birth Defects, priority orange
Birth Defects – Harm to the developing child including birth defects, low birth weight and biological or behavioral problems that appear as the child grows.
Other Health Effects, priority orange
Other Health Effects – Can cause serious damage on contact or ingestion.

Inherent Hazards

Restricted List, priority blue
Restricted List – This chemical is on a list from an authoritative body recommending that its use be avoided.
Flammable, priority orange
Flammable – Easily ignited and capable of burning rapidly.

How does this chemical impact the environment?

Acute Harm To Aquatic Ecosystems, priority orange
Acute Harm to Aquatic Ecosystems – Biological harm or possible death to fish or other aquatic organisms following a single exposure.
Chronic Harm To Aquatic Ecosystems, priority yellow
Chronic Harm to Aquatic Ecosystems – Irreversible harm to fish or other aquatic organisms following long term exposure.

What safer alternatives are available for this chemical?

Find case studies related to substitutions for this chemical in SubsPORT, the substitution support portal.

How am I likely to be exposed to this chemical?

Toxic if swallowed
Ingestion
Toxic in contact with skin
Skin contact
Toxic if inhaled
Inhalation

How can I protect myself from exposure to this chemical in the workplace?

gloves
Handle with gloves
suit
Protective clothing
respirator
Respirator