Formaldehyde - CH2O
Find here essential information on formaldehyde – also known as methyl aldehyde, methanol, or formol - (CH2O ): characteristics, effects on health, detection devices & systems (CH2O gas detector) and proper respiratory protective equipment (gas mask or full PAPR with B-P3 combined filter).
Formaldehyde (CH2O) properties
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 (insecticide), wood industry (plywood panels), building construction (insulation panels, paints, glues), food industry (food preservation), or pharmaceutical sector (disinfectant).
| CAS | TWA (8 hours) | STEL (15 minutes) | LEL | IP | Density / Air | Filter / SCBA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50-00-0 | 0.5 ppm | 1 ppm | 7.0 % | 10.88 eV | 1.04 | B-P3 |
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).
*IARC: International Agency for Research on Cancer (depends on WHO World Health Organization)
Formaldehyde exposure effects on health (CH2O)