PARAFORMALDEHYDE
![](javascript:dropDownText("section1_info","section1_info_marker","/static/images/up_arrow.png","/static/images/down_arrow.png")){kind=icon}
![](javascript:dropDownText("sec1_help","sec1_help_marker","/static/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/static/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 |
|
|
| NIOSH Pocket Guide | International Chem Safety Card |
| none |
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
|
1 | Normally stable but can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures. | ||||||||||
Special
|
(NFPA, 2010)
General Description
A white solid with a light pungent odor. A linear polymer of formaldehyde of formula HO(CH2-O)xH where x averages about 30. Soluble in water when x is less than 12; higher polymers are not immediately soluble. Slow dissolution in water proceeds by means of hydrolysis to give fragments of lower x. Flammable, although may take some effort to ignite. Flash point 158°F. Used in fungicides, bactericides, and in the manufacture of adhesives. A hazard to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to limit spread to the environment.
![](javascript:dropDownText("section2_info","section2_info_marker","/static/images/up_arrow.png","/static/images/down_arrow.png")){kind=icon}
![](javascript:dropDownText("sec2_help","sec2_help_marker","/static/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/static/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
none
Air & Water Reactions
Flammable. Forms aqueous solution of formaldehyde, often quite slowly.
Fire Hazard
Behavior in Fire: Changes to formaldehyde gas, which is highly flammable. (USCG, 1999)
Health Hazard
Vapor or dust irritates eyes, mucous membranes, and skin; may cause dermatitis. Ingestion of solid or of a solution in water irritates mouth, throat, and stomach and may cause death. (USCG, 1999)
Reactivity Profile
PARAFORMALDEHYDE 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). 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]. May generate flammable and/or toxic gases in combination with azo, diazo compounds, dithiocarbamates, nitrides, and strong reducing agents. Generates 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 absorbent listed below. More info about absorbents, including situations to watch out for...
- Cellulose-Based Absorbents
![](javascript:dropDownText("section3_info","section3_info_marker","/static/images/up_arrow.png","/static/images/down_arrow.png")){kind=icon}
![](javascript:dropDownText("sec3_help","sec3_help_marker","/static/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/static/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 133 [Flammable Solids]:
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 25 meters (75 feet) in all directions.
LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).
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, 2020)
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 25 meters (75 feet) in all directions.
LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 100 meters (330 feet).
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, 2020)
Firefighting
Excerpt from ERG Guide 133 [Flammable Solids]:
SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, sand, earth, water spray or regular foam.
LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or regular foam. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Fire Involving Metal Pigments or Pastes (e.g. "Aluminum Paste") Aluminum Paste fires should be treated as a combustible metal fire. Use DRY sand, graphite powder, dry sodium chloride-based extinguishers or class D extinguishers. Also, see ERG Guide 170.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. (ERG, 2020)
SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, CO2, sand, earth, water spray or regular foam.
LARGE FIRE: Water spray, fog or regular foam. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Fire Involving Metal Pigments or Pastes (e.g. "Aluminum Paste") Aluminum Paste fires should be treated as a combustible metal fire. Use DRY sand, graphite powder, dry sodium chloride-based extinguishers or class D extinguishers. Also, see ERG Guide 170.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS OR CAR/TRAILER LOADS: Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks engulfed in fire. (ERG, 2020)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 133 [Flammable Solids]:
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch or walk through spilled material.
SMALL DRY SPILL: With clean shovel, place material into clean, dry container and cover loosely; move containers from spill area.
LARGE SPILL: Wet down with water and dike for later disposal. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. (ERG, 2020)
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch or walk through spilled material.
SMALL DRY SPILL: With clean shovel, place material into clean, dry container and cover loosely; move containers from spill area.
LARGE SPILL: Wet down with water and dike for later disposal. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. (ERG, 2020)
Protective Clothing
Goggles or face shield; protective clothing. (USCG, 1999)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
No information available.
First Aid
INGESTION: give milk or white of egg beaten with water; call a doctor.
SKIN OR EYES: rinse with copious amounts of water. (USCG, 1999)
SKIN OR EYES: rinse with copious amounts of water. (USCG, 1999)
![](javascript:dropDownText("section4_info","section4_info_marker","/static/images/up_arrow.png","/static/images/down_arrow.png")){kind=icon}
![](javascript:dropDownText("sec4_help","sec4_help_marker","/static/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/static/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.
Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
| Chemical Formula: |
|
Flash Point:
160°F
(approx.)
(USCG, 1999)
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL):
7 %
(formaldehyde gas)
(USCG, 1999)
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL):
73 %
(formaldehyde gas)
(USCG, 1999)
Autoignition Temperature:
572°F
(USCG, 1999)
Melting Point:
342°F
(USCG, 1999)
Vapor Pressure: data unavailable
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): data unavailable
Specific Gravity:
1.46
at 59°F
(USCG, 1999)
- Denser than water; will sink
Boiling Point: data unavailable
Molecular Weight:
600
(approx.)
(USCG, 1999)
Water Solubility: data unavailable
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: data unavailable
AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)
No AEGL information available.ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)
No ERPG information available.PACs (Protective Action Criteria)
| Chemical | PAC-1 | PAC-2 | PAC-3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paraformaldehyde (30525-89-4) | 2 mg/m3 | 23 mg/m3 | 47 mg/m3 | LEL = 70000 ppm |
(DOE, 2018)
![](javascript:dropDownText("section5_info","section5_info_marker","/static/images/up_arrow.png","/static/images/down_arrow.png")){kind=icon}
![](javascript:dropDownText("sec5_help","sec5_help_marker","/static/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/static/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. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency'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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paraformaldehyde | 30525-89-4 | 1000 pounds |
(EPA List of Lists, 2022)
CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)
No regulatory information available.OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List
No regulatory information available.![](javascript:dropDownText("section6_info","section6_info_marker","/static/images/up_arrow.png","/static/images/down_arrow.png")){kind=icon}
![](javascript:dropDownText("sec6_help","sec6_help_marker","/static/images/dropdown_opened.gif","/static/images/dropdown_closed.gif"))
This section provides a listing of alternate names for this chemical,
including trade names and synonyms.
- ALDACIDE
- FLO-MOR
- FORMALDEHYDE POLYMER
- PARAFORM
- PARAFORMALDEHYDE
- POLYFORMALDEHYDE
- POLYOXYMETHYLENE
- POLYOXYMETHYLENE GLYCOL
Version 3.0.0