Formaldehyde

1Identification

Name

Formaldehyde

IUPAC name

formaldehyde

CAS number

50-00-0

EC number

200-001-8

Molecular formula

CH2O

Molecular weight

30.026 g/mol

InChIKey

WSFSSNUMVMOOMR-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

C=O

PubChem CID

712

Synonyms

formaldehyde, formalin, methanal, formol, Formic aldehyde, Methylene oxide, Oxomethane, Oxymethylene, Methyl aldehyde, Superlysoform, Lysoform, Fannoform, Formalith, Formalina

Recommended uses

• CIR ingredient: Formaldehyde
  Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
• Formaldehyde is used predominantly as a chemical intermediate. It also has minor uses in agriculture, as an analytical reagent, in concrete and plaster additives, cosmetics, disinfectants, fumigants, photography, and wood preservation. One of the most common uses of formaldehyde in the U.S is manufacturing urea-formaldehyde resins, used in particleboard products.
  EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants
• Used in the production of formaldehyde resins, plywood, particle board, paper, and urea-formaldehyde foam; embalmers and laboratory workers may be exposed to levels above 1 ppm; [LaDou, p. 502-3] The major industrial consumers of formaldehyde resins are molded plastic parts, decorative laminates, photographic film, and plywood paneling. High formaldehyde exposures were documented in carpet installers and parquet tile fitters. Formaldehyde also exists as a polymer (paraformaldehyde) and as a trimer (sym-trioxane or trioxmethylene). [ACGIH] Occupational asthma reported in hospital workers;
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Sealant (barrier) Preservative Catalyst Embalming agent Corrosion inhibitor Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Soil amendments (fertilizers) Chelating agent Adhesion/cohesion promoter Processing aids, specific to petroleum production Intermediate Laboratory chemicals Dispersing agent Solvent Polymerization promoter Anti-caking agent Energy Releasers (explosives, motive propellant) Binder Other Processing aids not otherwise specified Deodorizer Monomers Surfactant (surface active agent) Plating agent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Laboratory chemicals Adhesion/cohesion promoter Intermediate Sealant (barrier) Soil amendments (fertilizers) Monomers Other Binder Anti-caking agent
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: Chemical Classes -> Volatile organic compounds · Animal Drugs -> FDA Approved Animal Drug Products (Green Book) -> Active Ingredients · Environmental transformation -> Pesticide transformation products (metabolite, successor) · Cosmetics -> Preservative

Description

• At room temperature, formaldehyde is a colorless, 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, and cosmetics.
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• Formaldehyde (gas) can cause cancer according to an independent committee of scientific and health experts.
  California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
• Solids containing varying amounts of formaldehyde, probably as paraformaldehyde (polymers of formula HO(CH2O)xH where x averages about 30). A hazard to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to limit spread to the environment.
  CAMEO Chemicals

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS05, GHS06, GHS08

Classification source

Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

7 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

NFPA 704 rating

• 3 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause serious or permanent injury.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 2 - Materials that must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperatures before ignition can occur. Materials would not under normal conditions form hazardous atmospheres with air, but under high ambient temperatures or under moderate heating could release vapor in sufficient quantities to produce hazardous atmospheres with air.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Formaldehyde: Exposure Routes: Inhalation, skin and/or eye contact Symptoms: Irritation eyes, nose, throat, respiratory system; lacrimation (discharge of tears); cough; wheezing; [potential occupational carcinogen] Target Organs: Eyes, respiratory system Cancer Site: Nasal cancer (NIOSH, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• The probable oral lethal dose for humans is 0.5-5 g/kg, or between 1 ounce and 1 pint for a 150 pound person. Acute -- below 1 ppm, odor perceptible to most. 2-3 ppm, mild tingling of eyes. 4-5 ppm, increased discomfort, mild lacrimation. 10 ppm, profuse lacrimation; can be withstood only for few minutes. 10-20 ppm, breathing difficult, cough, severe burning of nose and throat. 50-100 ppm, acute irritation of respiratory tract, very serious injury likely. Skin -- primary irritation from strong solutions, gas. Delayed -- sensitization dermatitis. Suspected carcinogen. Effects in women include menstrual disorders and secondary sterility.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]: TOXIC and/or CORROSIVE; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death. Methyl bromoacetate (UN2643) is an eye irritant/lachrymator (causes flow of tears). Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Avoid any skin contact. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause environmental contamination. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 171 [Substances (Low to Moderate Hazard)]: Some may burn but none ignite readily. Containers may explode when heated. Some may be transported hot. For UN3508, Capacitor, asymmetric, be aware of possible short circuiting as this product is transported in a charged state. Polymeric beads, expandable (UN2211) may evolve flammable vapours. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Toxic vapors such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are generated during combustion. Explosion hazard: when aqueous formaldehyde solutions are heated above their flash points, a potential for explosion hazard exists. High formaldehyde concentration or methanol content lowers flash point. Reacts with nitrogen oxides at about 180; the reaction becomes explosive. Also reacts violently with perchloric acid-aniline, performic acid, nitromethane, magnesium carbonate, and hydrogen peroxide. When heated, irritant formaldehyde gas evolved from solution. The main products of decomposition are carbon monoxide and hydrogen.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Excerpt from ERG Guide 153 [Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)]: Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily. When heated, vapors may form explosive mixtures with air: indoors, outdoors and sewers explosion hazards. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Corrosives in contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways. Substance may be transported in a molten form. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Hazards summary

• At room temperature, formaldehyde is a colorless, 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, and cosmetics.
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• Formaldehyde is used mainly to produce resins used in particleboard products and as an intermediate in the synthesis of other chemicals. Exposure to formaldehyde may occur by breathing contaminated indoor air, tobacco smoke, or ambient urban air. Acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) inhalation exposure to formaldehyde in humans can result in respiratory symptoms, and eye, nose, and throat irritation. Limited human studies have reported an association between formaldehyde exposure and lung and nasopharyngeal cancer. Animal inhalation studies have reported an increased incidence of nasal squamous cell cancer. EPA considers formaldehyde a probable human carcinogen (Group B1).
  EPA Hazardous Air Pollutants

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Formaldehyde: Eye: IRRIGATE IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Breathing: RESPIRATORY SUPPORT - If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible. (NIOSH, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Signs and Symptoms of Acute Formaldehyde Exposure: Acute exposure to formaldehyde may result in irritation or burns to the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes; lacrimation (tearing); nausea; vomiting (may be bloody); abdominal pain; and diarrhea. Difficulty in breathing, cough, pneumonia, and pulmonary edema may occur. Sensitized people may experience asthmatic reactions, even when exposed briefly. Hypotension (low blood pressure) and hypothermia (reduced body temperature) may precede cardiovascular collapse. Lethargy, dizziness, convulsions, and coma may be noted. Nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys), hematuria (bloody urine), and liver toxicity have been reported.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Formalin (as formaldehyde): Eye: IRRIGATE IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Skin: WATER FLUSH PROMPTLY - If this chemical contacts the skin, flush the contaminated skin with water promptly. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water promptly. If irritation persists after washing, get medical attention. Breathing: RESPIRATORY SUPPORT - If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• General First Aid: · Call 911 or emergency medical service. · Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved, take precautions to protect themselves and avoid contamination. · Move victim to fresh air if it can be done safely. · Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. · If victim is not breathing: -- DO NOT perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; the victim may have ingested or inhaled the substance. -- If equipped and pulse detected, wash face and mouth, then give artificial respiration using a proper respiratory medical device (bag-valve mask, pocket mask equipped with a one-way valve or other device).
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough. Sore throat. Burning sensation behind the breastbone. Headache. Shortness of breath.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Watering of the eyes. Redness. Pain. Blurred vision.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Use water spray, dry chemical, alcohol foam, or carbon dioxide. Use water to keep fire exposed containers cool. If leak or spill has not ignited, use water spray to disperse vapors, and to protect men attempting to stop leak. Water spray may be used to flush spills away from exposures and to dilute spills to nonflammable mixtures.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Approach fire from upwind to avoid hazardous vapors and toxic decomposition products. Use water spray, dry chemical, "alcohol resistant" foam, or carbon dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• If material is on fire or involved in a fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Solid streams of water may be ineffective. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Use "alcohol" foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture: Carbon oxides. /Formaldehyde solution, 36.5-38%/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 171 [Substances (Low to Moderate Hazard)]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary. FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Excerpt from ERG Guide 132 [Flammable Liquids - Corrosive]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 50 meters (150 feet) in all directions. SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary. FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Spill cleanup

• Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: gas-tight chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Remove all ignition sources. Turn off gas at source if possible. Remove gas with fine water spray.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Use fluorocarbon water spray, Cellosize and Hycar to diminish vapors. Sodium carbonate, ammonium hydroxide, or sodium sulfite can neutralize the spill.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Use universal gel, fly ash, universal sorbent material, or cement powder to absorb the spill.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Environmental considerations-land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, holding area to contain liquid or solid material. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./ Dike surface flow using soil, sand bags, foamed polyurethane, or foamed concrete. Absorb bulk liquid with fly ash or cement powder. Add sodium bisulfite (NaHSO3).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Fireproof. Cool. Separated from incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• ... Minimum storage temperature to prevent polymerization range from 83 °F for 37% formaldehyde containing 0.05% methyl alcohol to 29 °F for formaldehyde containing 15% methyl alcohol.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Formalin is ... supplied unstabilized or methanol-stabilized. The latter may be stored at room temp without precipitation of solid formaldehyde polymers because it contains 5-10% of methyl alcohol. The uninhibited type must be maintained at a temp of at least 32 °C to prevent the separation of solid formaldehyde polymers.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Inhibition by methanol decreases the minimum storage temp by about 2.3 °C per wt % methanol for unstabilized soln & about 1.3 °C per wt % methanol for stabilized solutions. Materials of construction preferred for storage vessels are 304, 316, and 347-type stainless steels or lined carbon steels.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

Personal protective equipment

• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Formaldehyde: Skin: No recommendation is made specifying the need for personal protective equipment for the body. Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact. Wash skin: No recommendation is made specifying the need for washing the substance from the skin (either immediately or at the end of the work shift). Remove: No recommendation is made specifying the need for removing clothing that becomes wet or contaminated. Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift. (NIOSH, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Excerpt from ERG Guide 132 [Flammable Liquids - Corrosive]: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Formalin (as formaldehyde): Skin: PREVENT SKIN CONTACT - Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. Eyes: PREVENT EYE CONTACT - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact. Wash skin: WHEN CONTAMINATED - The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated. Remove: WHEN WET OR CONTAMINATED - Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced. Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Respirator selection: (50 ppm) Chemical cartridge respirator with organic vapor cartridge with full facepiece; Gas mask with organic vapor canister (chin-style or front- or back-mounted canister); supplied air respirator with full facepiece, helmet, or hood; self-contained breathing apparatus with full facepiece; (100 ppm): Type C supplied-air respirator operated in pressure-demand or other positive pressure or continuous-flow mode; (escape): Gas mask with organic vapor canister (chin-style or front- or back-mounted canister); self-contained breathing apparatus.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Respirator recommendations

• (See OSHA respirator requirements for selected chemicals) NIOSH At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration: (APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode (APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus Escape: (APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compou…
  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• FORMALDEHYDE may react violently with strong oxidizing agents (hydrogen peroxide, performic acid, perchloric acid in the presence of aniline, potassium permanganate, nitromethane). May react with bases (sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, ammonia), and with nitrogen dioxide (explosive reaction around 180 °C). May react with hydrochloric acid to form highly toxic bis(chloromethyl) ether. Polymerization reaction with phenol may develop sudden destructive pressure [Bretherick, 5th ed., 1995, p.168]. May generate flammable and/or toxic gases in combination with azo, diazo compounds, dithiocarbamates, nitrides, and strong reducing agents. May generate toxic formaldehyde gas when heated.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• FORMALDEHYDE, SOLUTION, reacts violently with strong oxidizing agents (hydrogen peroxide, performic acid, perchloric acid in the presence of aniline, potassium permanganate, nitromethane). Reacts with bases (sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, ammonia), and with nitrogen dioxide (explosive reaction around 180 °C). Reacts with hydrochloric acid to form highly toxic bis(chloromethyl) ether. Polymerization reaction with phenol may develop sudden destructive pressure [Bretherick, 5th ed., 1995, p.168].
  CAMEO Chemicals
• No rapid reaction with air. No rapid reaction with water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• (Amines) exothermic reaction, (AZO cmpd) exothermic reaction giving off nitrogen gas, (caustics) heat generation and violent polymerization, (dithiocarbamates) formation of flammable gasses and toxic fumes, formation of carbon disulfide may result, (alkali and alkaline earth metals) heat generation and formation of flammable hydrogen gas, (nitrides) heat generation, formation of flammable ammonia gas and violent polymerization, (nitro compd) heat generation, (unsaturated aliphatics and sulfides) heat generation, (organic peroxides) violent reaction, (oxidizing agents) heat generation, fire, and decomposition, (reducing agents) heat generation and formation of flammable gasses. /From table/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Interaction of nitromethane & formaldehyde in presence of alkali gives ... 2-nitroethanol ... /and/ di- & tri-condensation products. After removal of 2-nitroethanol by vacuum distillation, the residue must be cooled before admitting air into the system to prevent flash explosion or violent fume-off. /Nitromethane: formaldehyde/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Formaldehyde ... react violently with 90% performic acid ... /Peroxyformic acid: organic materials/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• On standing, especially in the cold, may become cloudy, and on exposure to very low temperature ppt of trioxymethylene formed; in air it slowly oxidizes to formic acid /40% solution/.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Target organs

• Cancer, Gastrointestinal (Digestive), Hepatic (Liver), Immunological (Immune System), Neurological (Nervous System), Ocular (Eyes), Renal (Urinary System or Kidneys), Respiratory (From the Nose to the Lungs)
  Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
• Gastrointestinal Respiratory Urinary
  EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is severely irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. Inhalation of high concentrations may cause lung oedema, but only after initial corrosive effects on the eyes and the upper respiratory tract have become manifest.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• Repeated or chronic inhalation of the vapour may cause chronic inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. This substance is carcinogenic to humans.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number U122, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Formaldehyde is a waste chemical stream constituent which may be subjected to ultimate disposal by controlled incineration.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• A good candidate for rotary kiln incineration at a temperature range of 820 to 1,600 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and hours for solids. A good candidate for fluidized bed incineration at a temperature range of 450 to 980 °C and residence times of seconds for liquids and gases, and longer for solids.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN numbers: UN 1198, UN 2209

Shipping name

• UN 1198; Formaldehyde, solutions, flammable
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• UN 2209; Formaldehyde, solutions, with not less than 25% formaldehyde
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

DOT label

• Class 9
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Flammable Liquid Corrosive
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 8; UN Pack Group: III
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Emergency Response Guidebook

• 2209 153
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)
• 1198 132
  Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Formaldehyde is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• The Agency has completed its assessment of the residential, occupational and ecological risks associated with the use of pesticide products containing the active ingredient formaldehyde and paraformaldehyde. The Agency has determined that virtually all formaldehyde and paraformaldehyde containing products are eligible for reregistration provided that: 1) all risk mitigation measures are implemented; 2) current data gaps and confirmatory data needs are addressed; and 3) label amendments are made as described in Section V. Use in confined spaces such as closets is not eligible for registration because of the difficulty associated with ventilation of these spaces. ...
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• As the federal pesticide law FIFRA directs, EPA is conducting a comprehensive review of older pesticides to consider their health and environmental effects and make decisions about their continued use. Under this pesticide reregistration program, EPA examines newer health and safety data for pesticide active ingredients initially registered before November 1, 1984, and determines whether the use of the pesticide does not pose unreasonable risk in accordance to newer safety standards, such as those described in the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996. Formaldehyde is found on List A, which contains most pesticides that are used on foods and, hence, have a high potential for human exposure.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Formaldehyde is designated as a hazardous substance under section 311(b)(2)(A) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and further regulated by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 and 1978. These regulations apply to discharges of this substance. This designation includes any isomers and hydrates, as well as any solutions and mixtures containing this substance.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 100 lb or 45.4 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• U122; As stipulated in 40 CFR 261.33, when formaldehyde, as a commercial chemical product or manufacturing chemical intermediate or an off-specification commercial chemical product or a manufacturing chemical intermediate, becomes a waste, it must be managed according to Federal and/or State hazardous waste regulations. Also defined as a hazardous waste is any residue, contaminated soil, water, or other debris resulting from the cleanup of a spill, into water or on dry land, of this waste. Generators of small quantities of this waste may qualify for partial exclusion from hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR 261.5).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Formaldehyde is an indirect food additive for use only as a component of adhesives.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 712 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.