Formalin

NFPA Ratings

SCALE 0-4) Health=2 Fire=1 Reactivity=0 Danger: Poisonous Vapor harmful May be fatal or cause blindness if swallowed Cannot be made nonpoisonous Warning: Irritant Formaldehyde solution is a watery liquid, colorless, with a strong pungent irritating odor. It is combustible as a 37% solution. It is toxic by ingestion due to the methanol stabilizer. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen (IARC 1 & NTP). Toxic by inhalation, toxic if swallowed, may be fatal if swallowed, causes eye burns, may cause blindness, strong sensitizer, causes irritation to skin, eyes and respiratory tract. Repeated or prolonged exposure increases the cancer risk.

Principle Routes of Exposure

Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact Acute Effects: Ingestion may cause burning of the mouth, throat and stomach. Degenerative changes of the liver, heart, brain, and damage of the spleen, pancreas, central nervous system and kidneys. Death can occur in hours or days. Acute effects of methanol can cause blindness and central nervous system depravation. Acute effects due to inhalation and skin and eye contact range from irritation of eyes, skin, and mucous membranes to burning, difficulty breathing, respiratory tract injury, discoloration of skin, roughness and first degree burns. Aggravated sensitization response (extreme difficulty breathing, extreme rash and irritation is also noted.)

Potential chronic health

Repeated ingestion of small quantities may cause gastrointestinal irritation, visual impairment, blindness and other systemic effects. Repeated exposure increases the cancer risk, and can also lead to conjunctivitis, dermatitis, metabolic acidosis, second-degree burns, numbness, a persistent itching rash, headaches, stomachaches, serious respiratory impairment, kidney injury, and pulmonary sensitization. Neuropsychological effects may include sleep disorders, irritability, altered sense of balance, memory deficits, loss of concentration and mood alterations. Menstrual disorders and secondary sterility have occurred in women.

Potential health effects

Inhalation is highly toxic sensitizer, may cause difficulty in breathing, a burning sensation in the nose and throat, and coughing. Very high concentrations may be fatal. - Eye contact may cause severe eye burns. - Skin contact may cause irritation, rash or burning sensation. - Ingestion causes burning of the mouth, throats and stomach. May cause vomiting and diarrhea, unconsciousness and even death.