Stem Cell Research Breakthrough
Stem Cell Research Breakthrough
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Formaldehyde July 1999 This fact sheet answers the most frequently asked health questions about formaldehyde and is one in a series of summaries about hazardous substances and their health effects. This information is important because formaldehyde may harm you. The effects of exposure to any hazardous substance depend on the dose, the duration, how you are exposed, personal traits and habits, your sensitivity to chemicals and whether other chemicals are present.
What is formaldehyde? 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) What happens to formaldehyde when it enters the environment?
How might I be exposed to formaldehyde?
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:
WARNING These toxic chemical products may contaminate your children!
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