Stronger effect / evidence
redorangeyellowgray
Weaker effect / evidence

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 – Can be fatal on contact, ingestion or inhalation for humans and other mammals.
Irritates The Skin, priority orange
Irritates the Skin – Can cause irritation or serious damage to the skin.
Irritates The Eyes, priority yellow
Irritates the Eyes – Can cause irritation or serious damage to the eye.

Chronic (Long Term) Effects

Asthma Trigger, priority yellow
Asthma Trigger – Can result in high sensitivity so that small quantities trigger asthma, nose or sinus inflammation or other allergic reactions in the respiratory system.
Cancer, priority red
Cancer – Can cause or increase the risk of cancer.
Sensitizes The Skin, priority yellow
Sensitizes the Skin – Can lead to allergic reactions on the skin.
Gene Damage, priority orange
Gene Damage – Can cause or increase the rate of mutations, which are changes in genetic material in cells.
Endocrine Disruption, priority orange
Endocrine Disruption – Can interfere with hormone communication between cells which controls metabolism, development, growth, reproduction and behavior (the endocrine system).
Birth Defects, priority orange
Birth Defects – Can cause 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 gray
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?

Immediate Harm To Aquatic Ecosystems, priority orange
Immediate Harm to Aquatic Ecosystems – A single exposure may result in severe biological harm or death to fish or other aquatic organisms.
Long-term Harm To Aquatic Ecosystems, priority yellow
Long-Term Harm to Aquatic Ecosystems – Long term exposure may result in irreversible harm to fish or other aquatic organisms.
Bioaccumulative , priority gray
Bioaccumulative – Accumulates in organisms, concentrating as it moves up the food chain.
Persistent, priority gray
Persistent – Does not break down readily from natural processes.

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