Formaldehyde (CH2O)

Formaldehyde (CH2O) – also known as methyl aldehyde, methanol or formol – is naturally present in incomplete combustion with carbon (forest fires, thermal engines, tobacco smoke). This gas is used for many applications like in agriculture, wood industry, building construction, food industry or pharmaceutical sector.

Formaldehyde effects on health

Formaldehyde (CH2O) is a colorless gas with a pungent and suffocating smell. This gas is very toxic by inhalation (R23), in contact with skin (R24), or if swallowed (R25) and can cause burns (R34). Featuring explosive limits between 7 and 73% volume, this gas is flammable and explosive. It can form explosive mixtures or enhance the explosive potential of other mixtures. The IARC exposed a link between formaldehyde vapor explosivity and carcinogenic effects (R40).