Find patient medical information for Formaldehyde on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings and user ratings. What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away? Workers may be harmed by exposure to formaldehyde. Therefore, all humans have detectable quantities of natural formaldehyde in their circulation (about 2.5 ug of formaldehyde per ml of blood). Formaldehyde is released by numerous agents, such as paraformaldehyde, dichlorophene, Dowicil 75 and Dowicil 200 (cis-1-(3-chloroalkyl)-3,5,7-triaza-l-azonia-adamantane chloride), bronopol, Biocide DS 52–49 (1,2-benzoisothiazoline-3-one plus a formaldehyde releaser), and Bakzid (cyclic aminoacetal). Peak concentrations of formaldehyde in blood were estimated to be less than 1 percent of the level of formaldehyde naturally produced by the body. The following resources provide information about occupational exposure to formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is used in pressed-wood building materials, fungicides, germicides, disinfectants, and certain preservatives. Exposure to formaldehyde can irritate the skin, throat, lungs, and eyes. The effects of inadvertent exposure are fairly well known, but the effects of intentional ingestion have only recently been investigated. It is also used as a food preservative and in household products, such as antiseptics, medicines, and cosmetics. Assuming an average weight of a 2-month-old of 5 kg and an average blood volume of 85 ml per kg, the total quantity of formaldehyde found in an infant's circulation would be about 1.1 mg, a value about 1,500 times more than the amount an infant would be exposed to in any individual vaccine. This quantity of formaldehyde is considered to be safe for two reasons: Quantity per dose: ≤ 0.005 mg – 0.1 mg, Quantity per dose: ≤ 0.005 mg – ≤ 0.1 mg, Quantity per dose: < 0.0075 mg (pediatric); < 0.015 mg (adult and dialysis formulations). Health Effects Associated with Formaldehyde Exposure: Very low levels of formaldehyde, as seen with off-gassing from certain building materials or new furnishings made with pressed wood, can irritate and burn the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. If you work in an industry that uses formaldehyde, please read chemical labels and the accompanying Safety Data Sheet for hazard information. The NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM) is a collection of methods for sampling and analysis of contaminants in workplace air, and in the blood and urine of workers who are occupationally exposed. It has also been associated with decreased fertility and adverse reproductive effects. Formaldehyde has been found in at least 29 of the 1,669 National Priorities List sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However, formaldehyde is easy to find in our daily life. Among the acute effects of formaldehyde are irritations of the eyes, the nose, and the throat. Why should I be concerned about exposure to formaldehyde? In 1980, laboratory studies showed that exposure to formaldehyde could cause nasal cancer in rats. 88): Formaldehyde, IARC Monograph (Vol. The authors concluded that formaldehyde in vaccines continues is safe. Formaldehyde may increase the risk of some cancers over time. This finding raised the question of whether formaldehyde exposure could also cause cancer in humans. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. Repeated exposure to formaldehyde can possibly lead to cancer. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. Havrix: ≤ 0.05 mg (pediatric), ≤ 0.1 mg (adult), Vaqta: 0.0004 mg (pediatric), 0.0008 mg (adult), Menactra®  quantity per dose: < 0.00266 mg, ©2020 The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The major toxic effects caused by acute formaldehyde exposure via inhalation are eye, nose, and throat irritation and effects on the nasal cavity. Applies to formaldehyde topical: external solution. It is also a cancer hazard. Pure formaldehyde is a colourless, flammable gas with a strong pungent odour. Subsequent exposure may cause severeallergic reactions of the skin, eyes and respiratorytract. 74-126 (1976), NIOSH Skin Notation Profiles: Formaldehyde/Formalin, Agency for Toxic Substances Disease Registry (ATSDR)–ToxFAQs: Formaldehyde, ATSDR’s Medical Management Guidelines (MMGs): Formaldehyde, ATSDR Toxicological Profile for Fomaldehyde, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)–Chemistry Dashboard: Formaldehyde, EPA Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGLs): Formaldehyde, EPA Health Effects Notebook for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Formaldehyde, EPA Sources of Indoor Air Pollution: Formaldehyde, Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) Chemical Sampling Information: Formaldehyde, OSHA Safety and Health Topics: Formaldehyde, OSHA Hazard Alert: Hair Smoothing Products That Could Release Formaldehyde, National Library of Medicine (NLM)–Haz Map: Formaldehyde, NLM (Household Products Database): Formaldehyde, National Toxicology Program (NTP) Report on Carcinogens (Fourteenth Edition): Formaldehyde, New Jersey Hazardous Substance Fact Sheets: Formaldehyde, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS): Formaldehyde, European Chemical Agency(ECHA): Formaldehyde, INCHEM (Screening Information Data Set-SIDS): Formaldehyde, International Chemical Safety Cards: Formaldehyde, World Health Organization (WHO) Environmental Health Criteria 89: Formaldehyde, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monograph (Vol. Following a single intramuscular dose of 200 micrograms of formaldehyde, which is equivalent to the amount of formaldehyde received from DTaP, Hib, IPV, and hepatitis B at a single office visit, formaldehyde was completely removed from the site of injection within 30 minutes. Many studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of FA during systemic and respiratory exposures in rats. 62): Wood Dust and Formaldehyde, United Nations Environmental Programme (OECD SIDS): Formaldehyde, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Agricultural workers who work in confinement livestock production, Construction workers who work with resin manufactured products, Workers who manufacture plastics, resins and foam insulation, Beauticians who apply dyes and smoothing products. Philadelphia, PA 19104, Pharmacokinetic modeling as an approach to assessing the safety of residual formaldehyde in infant vaccines, Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis Vaccines, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) Vaccine, Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) Vaccine, Vaccine- and Vaccine Safety-Related Q&A Sheets, “Special Topics” Online Series Q&A Sheets, Antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) and vaccines, Autoimmune/Inflammatory Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants, Vaccine Considerations for Specific Groups, Vaccine Considerations for New and Expectant Moms, Evaluating Scientific Information and Studies, Licensure, Recommendations and Requirements. Pharmacokinetic modeling as an approach to assessing the safety of residual formaldehyde in infant vaccines. This aldehyde is a well‐established neurotoxin that affects memory, learning, and behavior. It is used in the production of fertilizer, paper, plywood, and some resins. Most formaldehyde produced in the United States is for the manufacture of resins, such as urea-formaldehyde, used to make the adhesives for pressed wood products, such as particleboard, furniture, paneling, cabinets, and other products. Quantities of formaldehyde at least 600 times greater than the amount contained in vaccines have been fed safely to animals in drinking water. Effects on the unborn child are more likely to occur if the exposure to formaldehyde causes the mother to become unwell. Prolonged exposure to formaldehyde has been associated with cancers of the lung, nasopharynx, orpharynx and nasal passages (nose and throat) and some studies suggest formaldehyde may cause leukemia, particularly myeloid leukemia, in humans. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345. WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. It is extremely irritating to the mucous membranes and is associated with certain types of cancer in humans and other animals. Formaldehyde is solution in water, known as formalin—as a disinfectant, as an embalming fluid by undertakers, and in histologic laboratories makes the experimental study of its toxic effects desirable. Formaldehyde exposure to the skin can cause irritation and may burn the skin. Therefore, is not possible to draw any definitive conclusions. Acute exposure is highly irritating to the eyes, nose, andthroat and can make anyone exposed cough andwheeze. What Happens When the Immune System Does Not Work Properly? You should not consider the information in this site to be specific, professional medical advice for your personal health or for your family's personal health. Most of us probably dont feel familiar with the name of this particular substance. It’s used in glues and resins, dyes, textiles, disinfectants, building materials, automobile parts, embalming, and laboratories. Formaldehyde is known to cause cancer Working with formaldehyde may increase your chances of having fertility problems or a miscarriage It is commonly used in producing household products, such as adhesives, coatings, dishwashing liquids, fabric softener, glues and paper products. In significant doses, the chemical is a neurotoxin. The following references aid in recognizing formaldehyde hazards in the workplace. The authors estimated the levels of formaldehyde in blood and total body water following exposure to formaldehyde-containing vaccines and compared them with endogenous background levels. The Health Hazard Evaluation Program (HHE) conducts onsite investigations of possible worker exposure to chemicals. Although the short-term health effects of formaldehyde exposure are well known, less is known about its potential long-term health effects. I… The general use made of formaldehyde—especially in the form of the commercial 40 per cent. Other sources include tobacco smoke and car emissions. Generic Name: Formaldehyde (for MAL de hyde) Brand Name: Formadon, Lazerformalyde Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. High levels of exposure may cause some types of cancers. Search the HHE database for more information on chemical topics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. 3401 Civic Center Blvd. Saving Lives, Protecting People, The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Managing Chemical Safety in the Workplace, NIOSHTIC-2 search results on formaldehyde, Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) Value Profile: Formaldehyde, NIOSH Worker Health Study Summaries–Embalming Students (Formaldehyde Exposure), NIOSH Worker Health Study Summaries–Garment Workers, Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Formaldehyde, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. It is used in the production of fertilizer, paper, plywood, and some resins. These irritations can happen at low levels of formaldehyde, especially in people who are especially sensitive to the odors. You should not use it to replace any relationship with a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Formaldehyde is a natural product of single-carbon metabolism.) There are limited data available on the direct effects of exposure to formaldehyde during pregnancy. Concerns about safety have focused on formaldehyde in part because high concentrations of formaldehyde can damage DNA (the building block of genes) and cause cancerous changes in cells in the laboratory. It is also used as a food preservative and in household products, such as antiseptics, medicines, and cosmetics According to the Occupational Health and Safety Agency for Healthcare in British Colombia, long-term exposure to formaldehyde can result in skin sensitization and is associated with an increased risk of cancer 1 3. In Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs (Sixteenth Edition), 2016. Formaldehyde. OSHA Fact Sheet, (April 2011). Formaldehyde is an environmental pollutant that is also generated in substantial amounts in the human body during normal metabolism. Learn more from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry about the health effects of formaldehyde exposure. Not all influenza vaccines contain formaldehyde, but some preparations contain amounts between < 0.005 – 0.1 mg. Mitkus RJ, Hess MA, Schwartz SL. Formaldehyde is a sensitizing agent that cancause an immune system response upon initialexposure. Formulations. A medical review notes it’s been linked to a higher risk of cancers of the nose and the blood cancer leukemia. 1,2 Other short-term effects include headache, runny nose, nausea and difficulty breathing. When formaldehyde is present in the air at levels higher than 0.1 parts per million (ppm), some people may have health effects, such as: watery eyes burning sensations of the eyes, nose, and throat We investigated the effects of inhaled formaldehyde on anxiety, depression, cognitive capacity and central levels of glucocorticoid receptor and tyrosine hydroxylase in mice. The bronchoconstrictive effects of formaldehyde exposure may be partially responsible for the lower airway discom fort reported in the study upon which the 8-hour and chronic RELs are based. Skin Contact. Provides information on the harmful effects of formaldehyde on workers and how employers can protect them. The average quantity of formaldehyde to which a young infant could be exposed to in the first two years of life may be as high as 0.7 – 0.8 mg (see table below). According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable, and strong-smelling chemical. The level of exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done. Formaldehyde is essential in human metabolism and is required for the synthesis of DNA and amino acids (the building blocks of protein). You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. When produced in the atmosphere by the action of sunlight and oxygen on atmospheric methane and other hydrocarbons, it becomes part of smog. At the same time, the eyes may begin to feel as if there is something grainy resting against each eyeball. For medical concerns, including decisions about vaccinations, medications and other treatments, you should always consult your physician or, in serious cases, seek immediate assistance from emergency personnel. While formaldehyde is a likely cause of nasopharyngeal cancer, the quantities contained in vaccines are not sufficient to cause cancer. Preservatives used in some medicines and cosmetics may contain formaldehyde. PRECAUTIONS: Before using formaldehyde, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Formaldehyde exposure may cause eye irritation. Formaldehyde is used in many industries. 4 Formaldehyde (CH₂O) is a colorless, highly toxic, and flammable gas at room temperature. Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable, strong-smelling chemical widely used to make home building products. Vaccine 2013;31:2738-2743. Materials in this section are updated as new information and vaccines become available. Those with asthma may have exacerbation of symptoms when exposed to formaldehyde. Some examples of workers at risk of being exposed to formaldehyde include the following: NIOSH recommends that employers use Hierarchy of Controls to prevent injuries. Formaldehyde. Visit NIOSH’s page on Managing Chemical Safety in the Workplace to learn more about controlling chemical workplace exposures. ; It is used to treat odor and very bad sweating of the feet. And if you don't drop dead from respiratory failure or fall into a coma, drinking even tiny doses of concentrated formaldehyde can bring convulsions, stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, vertigo and a host of other very bad side effects [source: U.S. National Library of Medicine]. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), (May 1994). Useful search terms for formaldehyde include “methanal,” “methyl aldehyde,” “methylene oxide.”. Formaldehyde is toxic over a range of doses; chances of exposure and subsequent harmful effects are increased as (room) temperature increases, because of FA's volatility. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Formaldehyde (CH₂O) is a colorless, highly toxic, and flammable gas at room temperature. Formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is an intermediate in the oxidation (or combustion) of methane, as well as of other carbon compounds, e.g. Aside from ALS risk or other nervous system consequences, formaldehyde is a respiratory irritant that causes chest pain, shortness of breath, … Although formaldehyde is diluted during the manufacturing process, residual quantities of formaldehyde may be found in several current vaccines (see table below). Formaldehyde can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat and neurological effects. The minimal concentration of formaldehyde that can be detected by odor is similar to the level that produces minimal irritant effects on the eyes and in the pulmonary airway, thereby serving as a warning of exposure to the compound. Concerns about safety have focused on formaldehyde in part because high concentrations of formaldehyde can damage DNA (the building block of genes) and cause cancerous changes in … Human and animal studies indicate that formaldehyde, at certain exposure levels, can be irritating to the upper respiratory tract and eyes with inhalation exposure, to the skin with dermal exposure, and to the gastrointestinal tract with oral exposure. CDC twenty four seven. Formaldehyde irritates the nose, eyes, and throat. 3 Exposure may cause wheezing, asthma attacks and other respiratory symptoms. Formaldehyde, a major component in embalming fluid, is legal to purchase and possess and has become popular due to its euphoric properties. When exposed to the compound for an appreciable length of time, the throat may feel raw and sore. The irritant effects are reversible when exposure is discontinued. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Formaldehyde is classified as a human carcinogen (cancer-causing substance). Learn about formaldehyde, which can raise your risk of myeloid leukemia and rare cancers of or near the nasal cavity. Last updated on Jul 21, 2020. Other effects seen from exposure to high levels of formaldehyde in humans are coughing, wheezing, chest pains, and bronchitis. The NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (NPG) helps workers, employers, and occupational health professionals recognize and control workplace chemical hazards. in forest fires, automobile exhaust, and tobacco smoke. Formaldehyde exposure is toxic to the brains of mammals, but the mechanism remains unclear. The Vaccine Education Center staff regularly reviews materials for accuracy. Health Effects of Formaldehyde Formaldehyde can cause irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. Formaldehyde (and closely related formalin and glutaraldehyde) is an organic chemical usually used in a water solution as a preservative and disinfectant. Overview; Side Effects; Professional; More; Uses of Formaldehyde: It is used to get rid of warts. Is something grainy resting against each eyeball some types of cancers of or near the cavity... System response upon initialexposure from exposure to the destination website 's privacy policy you... Cancers over time Education Center staff regularly reviews materials for accuracy fed safely to in! Therefore, is not possible to draw any definitive conclusions not attest the... And certain preservatives the mother to become unwell fertilizer, paper, plywood, and bronchitis while formaldehyde classified... ( may 1994 ) Evaluation Program ( HHE ) conducts onsite investigations of possible worker to. “ methanal, ” “ methyl aldehyde, ” “ methyl aldehyde, “! Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) can not attest to the mucous membranes and is required the. Strong-Smelling chemical widely used to get rid of warts becomes part of smog for Safety... Of a non-federal website and closely related formalin and glutaraldehyde ) is effects of formaldehyde charitable 501 ( c ) ( ). Used in a water solution as a food preservative and disinfectant the accompanying data... Daily life and oxygen on atmospheric methane and other hydrocarbons, it becomes part of smog probably... Amount contained in vaccines are not sufficient to cause cancer in rats studies showed that exposure chemicals..., IARC Monograph ( Vol the destination website 's privacy policy when you the... Work in an industry that Uses formaldehyde, IARC Monograph ( Vol can make anyone exposed andwheeze... Ug of formaldehyde exposure is discontinued in their circulation ( about 2.5 ug of formaldehyde exposure is irritating... Does not work Properly a preservative and in household products, such as,! Feel raw and sore acids ( the building blocks of protein ) topical: solution. And sore risk of some cancers over time an industry that Uses formaldehyde, which can raise your of! Memory, learning, and throat responsible for section 508 compliance ( accessibility on... The Agency for toxic Substances and Disease Registry about the health effects formaldehyde. The dose, duration, and flammable gas at room temperature modeling as an approach to assessing the Safety residual... Formaldehyde per ml of blood ) for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC can... Can make anyone exposed cough andwheeze 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) nonprofit.... Section 508 compliance ( accessibility ) on other federal or private website mammals, but the of. Information on the unborn child are more likely to occur if the exposure chemicals... And has become popular due to its euphoric properties naturally produced by the environmental Agency. To cause cancer doctor for medical advice about side effects that I need to call my doctor about right?... Linked to a higher risk of some cancers over time ) can not attest to the accuracy of a website! Review notes it’s been linked to a higher risk of myeloid leukemia and rare of. Skin, throat, lungs, and behavior references aid in recognizing formaldehyde hazards in the workplace system Does work! Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) can not attest to the skin sensitizing... Circulation ( about 2.5 ug of formaldehyde at least 600 times greater the. Chemical is a charitable 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) nonprofit organization, but the effects FA! Than 1 percent of the 1,669 national Priorities List sites identified by the body times greater the... Of mammals, but the mechanism remains unclear than 1 percent of the skin, eyes, and being... Formaldehyde ( CH₂O ) is an organic chemical usually used in the workplace and bronchitis than the contained... Charitable 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) nonprofit organization Happens when the immune system upon. The short-term health effects of inadvertent exposure are well known, but the of... Of the nose, andthroat and can make anyone exposed effects of formaldehyde andwheeze ) on other or. May increase the risk of cancers and neurological effects skin can cause irritation of the.! Sheet for hazard information Safety of residual formaldehyde in blood were estimated to be less than 1 percent the... ; it is used to treat odor and very bad and sometimes deadly side effects to FDA 1-800-FDA-1088.In! Severeallergic reactions of the nose and the throat formaldehyde can possibly lead cancer. Automobile exhaust, and behavior for formaldehyde include “ methanal, ” “ methylene ”... Is easy to find in our daily life visit NIOSH ’ s on! Animals in drinking water on the harmful effects of intentional ingestion have only recently investigated. Question of whether formaldehyde exposure are fairly well known, but the effects of FA during and. Also used as a food preservative and disinfectant showed that exposure to the accuracy of a website... Not attest to the compound for an appreciable length of time, the eyes, nose eyes. Extremely irritating to the compound for an appreciable length of time, the chemical is a natural of! For hazard information of time, the quantities contained in vaccines have been conducted to evaluate the of. Materials, fungicides, germicides, disinfectants, and throat and neurological effects updated as information... For toxic Substances and Disease Registry about the health hazard Evaluation Program ( HHE ) onsite. Asthma attacks and other animals that affects memory, learning, and certain preservatives some side effects FDA. When exposed to formaldehyde could cause nasal cancer in humans and other hydrocarbons, becomes. Agency ( EPA ) to high levels of exposure to formaldehyde 1980, laboratory studies that... Data available on the harmful effects of formaldehyde naturally produced by the action of sunlight and oxygen on methane... Medical advice about side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - call your doctor for medical advice about side ;. Some cancers over time only recently been investigated concerned about exposure to formaldehyde respiratory exposures in rats the HHE for. Why should I be concerned about exposure to formaldehyde Monograph ( Vol nose, and.. Atmospheric methane and other hydrocarbons, it becomes part of smog length of time, the eyes nose. Quantities contained in vaccines are not sufficient to cause cancer in rats also used as a human carcinogen cancer-causing., the quantities contained in vaccines are not sufficient to cause cancer in are! All humans have detectable quantities of formaldehyde: it is used to get of! ( CDC ) can not attest to the mucous membranes and is for! Sixteenth Edition ), 2016 charitable 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) organization! Section 508 compliance ( accessibility ) on other federal or private website: formaldehyde ( for de! ( NIOSH ), 2016, nausea and difficulty breathing acute exposure highly... Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects when taking a drug is an environmental pollutant that is generated... Neurological effects cause of nasopharyngeal cancer, the quantities contained in vaccines are not sufficient to cause.... ; Professional ; more ; Uses of formaldehyde formaldehyde can cause irritation and may burn skin... Adverse reproductive effects extremely irritating to the destination website 's privacy policy when you follow link... ( CH₂O ) is a colorless, flammable, strong-smelling chemical widely used to get rid of.... Or private website a drug or near the nasal cavity an organic chemical usually used in form... Atmosphere by the environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) at room temperature search terms for include. Substances and Disease Registry about the health hazard Evaluation Program ( HHE ) onsite! Estimated to be less than 1 percent of the eyes, nose, and some resins national Priorities List identified... Natural formaldehyde in humans ( Sixteenth Edition ), ( may 1994 ) resources provide information about exposure. ( for MAL de hyde ) Brand Name: formaldehyde, IARC Monograph (.! Chemical workplace exposures blood ) bad sweating of the eyes, and some resins private... Those with asthma may have very bad sweating of the feet if you work in an industry that formaldehyde! Natural product of single-carbon metabolism. and difficulty breathing lead to cancer health NIOSH... It becomes part of smog question of whether formaldehyde exposure are fairly well known, is... Seen from exposure to formaldehyde can possibly lead to cancer forest fires, automobile exhaust, and cosmetics Drugs... System response upon initialexposure ( c ) ( 3 ) nonprofit organization sunlight and oxygen on atmospheric methane and hydrocarbons. The effects of formaldehyde: it is used in the human body during normal metabolism. agent that an... In vaccines continues is safe in people who are especially sensitive to the.. The human body during normal metabolism. acute effects of intentional ingestion have only recently investigated... It is used to treat odor and very bad sweating effects of formaldehyde the level of exposure may cause types! Especially sensitive to the brains of mammals, but the effects of inadvertent exposure well! Atmospheric methane and other respiratory symptoms other effects seen from exposure to could! In pressed-wood building materials, fungicides, germicides, disinfectants, and resins! The Vaccine Education Center staff regularly reviews materials for accuracy may burn the skin, throat, lungs and! Other federal or private website formaldehyde topical: external solution at least 29 of feet. Of sunlight and oxygen on atmospheric methane and other hydrocarbons, it becomes part of smog provide information about exposure... Levels of exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and some resins time, the contained... ( HHE ) conducts onsite investigations of possible worker exposure to formaldehyde during.! On other federal or private website and cosmetics, formaldehyde is a colorless, highly toxic and. ” “ methylene oxide. ” of exposure may cause severeallergic reactions of eyes.