FORMALDEHYDE
![](javascript:dropDownText("section1_info","section1_info_marker","/images/up_arrow.png","/images/down_arrow.png")){kind=icon}
![](javascript:dropDownText("sec1_help","sec1_help_marker","/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/images/dropdown_closed.gif"))
The
Chemical Identifier fields
include common identification numbers, the
NFPA diamond
U.S. Department of Transportation hazard labels, and a general
description of the chemical. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes
from a variety of
data sources.
| CAS Number | UN/NA Number |
|---|---|
|
|
| DOT Hazard Label | USCG CHRIS Code |
|
none |
| NIOSH Pocket Guide | International Chem Safety Card |
Formaldehyde
|
NFPA 704
| Diamond | Hazard | Value | Description | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Health
|
3 | Can cause serious or permanent injury. | |||||||||
Flammability
|
2 | Must be moderately heated or exposed to relatively high ambient temperatures before ignition can occur. | ||||||||||
Instability
|
0 | Normally stable, even under fire conditions. | ||||||||||
Special
|
(NFPA, 2010)
General Description
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.
![](javascript:dropDownText("section2_info","section2_info_marker","/images/up_arrow.png","/images/down_arrow.png")){kind=icon}
![](javascript:dropDownText("sec2_help","sec2_help_marker","/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/images/dropdown_closed.gif"))
The
Hazard fields
include
special hazard alerts
air and water
reactions, fire hazards, health hazards, a reactivity profile, and
details about
reactive groups assignments
and
potentially incompatible absorbents.
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Reactivity Alerts
- Polymerizable
Air & Water Reactions
No rapid reaction with air.
No rapid reaction with water.
Fire Hazard
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, be aware of possible short circuiting as this product is transported in a charged state. (ERG, 2016)
Some may burn but none ignite readily. Containers may explode when heated. Some may be transported hot. For UN3508, be aware of possible short circuiting as this product is transported in a charged state. (ERG, 2016)
Health Hazard
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 (NIOSH, 2016)
Symptoms: Irritation eyes, nose, throat, respiratory system; lacrimation (discharge of tears); cough; wheezing; [potential occupational carcinogen]
Target Organs: Eyes, respiratory system (NIOSH, 2016)
Reactivity Profile
FORMALDEHYDE (ENVIRONMENTALLY HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES, SOLID, N.O.S.) 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. Can react with air to give first peroxo acids, and ultimately formic acid. These reactions are activated by light, catalyzed by salts of transition metals, and are autocatalytic (catalyzed by the products of the reaction). Incompatible with liquid oxygen.
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents
Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below. More info about absorbents, including situations to watch out for...
- Cellulose-Based Absorbents
- Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
- Dirt/Earth
![](javascript:dropDownText("section3_info","section3_info_marker","/images/up_arrow.png","/images/down_arrow.png")){kind=icon}
![](javascript:dropDownText("sec3_help","sec3_help_marker","/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/images/dropdown_closed.gif"))
The
Response Recommendation fields
include isolation and evacuation distances, as well as recommendations for
firefighting, non-fire response, protective clothing, and first aid. The
information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from ERG Guide 171 [Substances (Low to Moderate Hazard)]:
As an 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, in the downwind direction, as necessary, the isolation distance shown above.
FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck 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, 2016)
As an 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, in the downwind direction, as necessary, the isolation distance shown above.
FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck 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, 2016)
Firefighting
Excerpt from ERG Guide 171 [Substances (Low to Moderate Hazard)]:
SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or regular foam.
LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or regular foam. Do not scatter spilled material with high-pressure water streams. Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk. Dike fire-control water for later disposal.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS: Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. (ERG, 2016)
SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, water spray or regular foam.
LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or regular foam. Do not scatter spilled material with high-pressure water streams. Move containers from fire area if you can do it without risk. Dike fire-control water for later disposal.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS: Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. (ERG, 2016)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 171 [Substances (Low to Moderate Hazard)]:
Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent dust cloud. Avoid inhalation of asbestos dust.
SMALL DRY SPILL: With clean shovel, place material into clean, dry container and cover loosely; move containers from spill area.
SMALL SPILL: Pick up with sand or other non-combustible absorbent material and place into containers for later disposal.
LARGE SPILL: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. Cover powder spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. (ERG, 2016)
Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent dust cloud. Avoid inhalation of asbestos dust.
SMALL DRY SPILL: With clean shovel, place material into clean, dry container and cover loosely; move containers from spill area.
SMALL SPILL: Pick up with sand or other non-combustible absorbent material and place into containers for later disposal.
LARGE SPILL: Dike far ahead of liquid spill for later disposal. Cover powder spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. (ERG, 2016)
Protective Clothing
Skin: No recommendation is made specifying the need for personal protective equipment for the body.
Eyes: 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 work shift. (NIOSH, 2016)
Eyes: 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 work shift. (NIOSH, 2016)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
![](javascript:dropDownText("dupont_help","dupont_help_marker","/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/images/dropdown_closed.gif"))
Tychem® Fabric Legend
| QS = Tychem 2000 SFR |
| QC = Tychem 2000 |
| SL = Tychem 4000 |
| C3 = Tychem 5000 |
| TF = Tychem 6000 |
| TP = Tychem 6000 FR |
| BR = Tychem 9000 |
| RC = Tychem RESPONDER® CSM |
| TK = Tychem 10000 |
| RF = Tychem 10000 FR |
Testing Details
The fabric permeation data was generated for DuPont by independent
testing laboratories using ASTM F739, EN369, EN 374-3, EN ISO 6529
(method A and B) or ASTM D6978 test methods.
Normalized breakthrough times
(the time at which the permeation rate is equal to 0.1 µg/cm2/min)
reported in minutes.
All liquid chemicals have been tested between approximately 20°C and
27°C unless otherwise stated.
A different temperature may have significant influence on the
breakthrough time; permeation rates typically increase with
temperature.
All chemicals have
been tested at a concentration of greater than 95% unless otherwise
stated.
Unless otherwise stated, permeation was measured for single chemicals.
The permeation characteristics of mixtures can deviate considerably
from the permeation behavior of the individual chemicals.
Chemical warfare agents (Lewisite, Sarin, Soman, Sulfur
Mustard, Tabun and VX Nerve Agent) have been tested at 22°C and 50%
relative humidity per military standard MIL-STD-282.
| Chemical | CAS Number | State | QS | QC | SL | C3 | TF | TP | BR | RC | TK | RF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formaldehyde (100 ppm) | 50-00-0 | Vapor | >480 | >480 | >480 | >480 |
> indicates greater than.
A blank cell indicates the fabric has not been tested. The fabric may or may not offer barrier.
A blank cell indicates the fabric has not been tested. The fabric may or may not offer barrier.
Special Warnings from DuPont
- Serged and bound seams are degraded by some hazardous liquid chemicals, such as strong acids, and should not be worn when these chemicals are present.
-
CAUTION: This information is based upon technical data that
DuPont believes to be reliable. It is subject to revision as
additional knowledge and experience are gained. DuPont makes no
guarantee of results and assumes no obligation or liability...
... in connection with this information. It is the user's responsibility to determine the level of toxicity and the proper personal protective equipment needed. The information set forth herein reflects laboratory performance of fabrics, not complete garments, under controlled conditions. It is intended for informational use by persons having technical skill for evaluation under their specific end-use conditions, at their own discretion and risk. Anyone intending to use this information should first verify that the garment selected is suitable for the intended use. In many cases, seams and closures have shorter breakthrough times and higher permeation rates than the fabric. Please contact DuPont for specific data. If fabric becomes torn, abraded or punctured, or if seams or closures fail, or if attached gloves, visors, etc. are damaged, end user should discontinue use of garment to avoid potential exposure to chemical. Since conditions of use are outside our control, we make no warranties, express or implied, including, without limitation, no warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular use and assume no liability in connection with any use of this information. This information is not intended as a license to operate under or a recommendation to infringe any patent or technical information of DuPont or others covering any material or its use.
![](javascript:dropDownText("dupont_help2","dupont_help2_marker","/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/images/dropdown_closed.gif"))
(DuPont, 2018)
First Aid
Eye: If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately. Contact lenses should not be worn when working with this chemical.
Breathing: If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible. (NIOSH, 2016)
Breathing: If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible. (NIOSH, 2016)
![](javascript:dropDownText("section4_info","section4_info_marker","/images/up_arrow.png","/images/down_arrow.png")){kind=icon}
![](javascript:dropDownText("sec4_help","sec4_help_marker","/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/images/dropdown_closed.gif"))
The
Physical Property fields
include properties such as vapor pressure and
boiling point, as well as explosive limits and
toxic exposure thresholds
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
| Chemical Formula: |
|
Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL):
7 %
(NIOSH, 2016)
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL):
73 %
(NIOSH, 2016)
Autoignition Temperature: data unavailable
Melting Point:
-134 ° F
(NIOSH, 2016)
Vapor Pressure:
greater than 1 atm
(NIOSH, 2016)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity: data unavailable
Boiling Point:
-6 ° F
at 760 mm Hg
(NIOSH, 2016)
Molecular Weight:
30
(NIOSH, 2016)
Water Solubility:
Miscible
(NIOSH, 2016)
Ionization Potential:
10.88 eV
(NIOSH, 2016)
IDLH:
20 ppm
; A potential occupational carcinogen.
(NIOSH, 2016)
AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)
| Exposure Period | AEGL-1 | AEGL-2 | AEGL-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 0.9 ppm | 14 ppm | 100 ppm |
| 30 minutes | 0.9 ppm | 14 ppm | 70 ppm |
| 60 minutes | 0.9 ppm | 14 ppm | 56 ppm |
| 4 hours | 0.9 ppm | 14 ppm | 35 ppm |
| 8 hours | 0.9 ppm | 14 ppm | 35 ppm |
(NAC/NRC, 2017)
ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)
| Chemical | ERPG-1 | ERPG-2 | ERPG-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formaldehyde (50-00-0) | 1 ppm  |
10 ppm | 40 ppm |
indicates that odor should be detectable near ERPG-1.(AIHA, 2016)
PACs (Protective Action Criteria)
| Chemical | PAC-1 | PAC-2 | PAC-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formaldehyde (50-00-0) | 0.9 ppm | 14 ppm | 56 ppm |
(DOE, 2016)
![](javascript:dropDownText("section5_info","section5_info_marker","/images/up_arrow.png","/images/down_arrow.png")){kind=icon}
![](javascript:dropDownText("sec5_help","sec5_help_marker","/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/images/dropdown_closed.gif"))
The
Regulatory Information fields
include information from
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Title III Consolidated List of
Lists,
the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Chemical Facility
Anti-Terrorism Standards,
and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's
Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals Standard List
(see more about these
data sources).
EPA Consolidated List of Lists
| Regulatory Name | CAS Number/ 313 Category Code |
EPCRA 302 EHS TPQ |
EPCRA 304 EHS RQ |
CERCLA RQ | EPCRA 313 TRI |
RCRA Code |
CAA 112(r) RMP TQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formaldehyde | 50-00-0 | 500 pounds | 100 pounds | 100 pounds | 313 | U122 | 15000 pounds |
| Formaldehyde (solution) | 50-00-0 | 500 pounds | 100 pounds | 100 pounds | X | U122 | 15000 pounds |
- "X" indicates that this is a second name for an EPCRA section 313 chemical already included on this consolidated list. May also indicate that the same chemical with the same CAS number appears on another list with a different chemical name.
(EPA List of Lists, 2015)
DHS Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)
| RELEASE | THEFT | SABOTAGE | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical of Interest | CAS Number | Min Conc | STQ | Security Issue |
Min Conc | STQ | Security Issue |
Min Conc | STQ | Security Issue |
| Formaldehyde (solution) | 50-00-0 | 1.00 % | 15000 pounds | toxic | ||||||
(DHS, 2007)
OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List
| Chemical Name | CAS Number | Threshold Quantity (TQ) |
|---|---|---|
| Formaldehyde (Formalin) | 50-00-0 | 1000 pounds |
(OSHA, 2011)
![](javascript:dropDownText("section6_info","section6_info_marker","/images/up_arrow.png","/images/down_arrow.png")){kind=icon}
![](javascript:dropDownText("sec6_help","sec6_help_marker","/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/images/dropdown_closed.gif"))
This section provides a listing of alternate names for this chemical,
including trade names and synonyms.
- BFV
- F-GEN
- FANNOFORM
- FLOGUARD 1015
- FM 282
- FORMALDEHYDE
- FORMALIN
- FORMALITH
- FORMIC ALDEHYDE
- FORMOL
- FYDE
- LYSOFORM
- METHALDEHYDE
- METHANAL
- METHYL ALDEHYDE
- METHYLENE OXIDE
- MORBICID
- OXOMETHANE
- OXYMETHYLENE
- PARAFORM
- SUPERLYSOFORM
Version 2.7.1 rev 3