What is Formaldehyde?
![Picture](/uploads/1/4/4/7/14477176/972589688.jpg)
Formaldehyde is a strong smelling, volatile organic compound (VOC), produce in the
atmosphere by the degradation of methane by sunlight,that can pollute air.16 A
naturally occurring chemical that can also be produced by manufactured products
such as woods, plastics and chemicals. 16 Often found as an ingredient in glues
and finishes, the fumes of the chemical can be released in the air through the use
of plywood, paints, glues, foam insulation, and air fresheners. 16 Also used as a disinfectant and fumigant in hospitals, boats, and
animal clinics. 17 Used mainly as a bactericide, fungicide and as an embalming substance.17
Chemical Name
Formaldehyde, also known under: methanol, methyl aldehyde, methylene oxide, formalin and formol. 18
Chemical Formula
![Picture](/uploads/1/4/4/7/14477176/688456355.jpg?216)
CH2O 18
Physical State
Gast at SATP, colourless
Health Concerns
![Picture](/uploads/1/4/4/7/14477176/763371853.jpg)
Toxic when swallowed, absorbed by the skin, and or inhaled. 16 Formaldehyde can also act as an allergen and cause allergic reactions that include eye irritation, coughing and sneezing, sore throat and nose and rashes when skin contact is present. 16 The inhalation of formaldehyde fumes can lead to respiratory conditions such as asthma, resulting in short of breathe, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness. Long term and constant exposure to the fumes can lead to bronchitis. 16 The swallowing of formaldehyde can lead to necrosis and stomach ulcers, as well as pain, vomiting, coma and death. 16
Recent animal testing has also shown that Formaldehyde exposure has also been linked to nasopharyngeal cancer (cancer of the nose and throat). 16 While theories also suggest that Formaldehyde exposure can also be linked to the development of leukemia, though no research has been made to prove this assumption as of yet. 16 Known and identified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. 16
Recent animal testing has also shown that Formaldehyde exposure has also been linked to nasopharyngeal cancer (cancer of the nose and throat). 16 While theories also suggest that Formaldehyde exposure can also be linked to the development of leukemia, though no research has been made to prove this assumption as of yet. 16 Known and identified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. 16
Environmental Concerns
![Picture](/uploads/1/4/4/7/14477176/666312764.jpg)
Formaldehyde can be produced naturally in the environment due to the degradation of methane from sunlight, and it can also be released by the combustion of organic materials.19 Most often though, it can enter the environment through manufacturing plants where it is chemical produced. 19
· Once released into the environment 99% of Formaldehyde will end up in the air, and the other 1% in water bodies.19 Formaldehyde that is released in the air can then go on to cause pollution and when localized in a small area (room of a home or building) can cause health effects and risks. 19 The other 1% released into water bodies can cause chronic toxic effects on aquatic life.19 Shortened lifespan, reproductive abnormalities and deformations along with cancer can develop in some cases due to formaldehyde exposure, for wild and aquatic life. 19
· Once released into the environment 99% of Formaldehyde will end up in the air, and the other 1% in water bodies.19 Formaldehyde that is released in the air can then go on to cause pollution and when localized in a small area (room of a home or building) can cause health effects and risks. 19 The other 1% released into water bodies can cause chronic toxic effects on aquatic life.19 Shortened lifespan, reproductive abnormalities and deformations along with cancer can develop in some cases due to formaldehyde exposure, for wild and aquatic life. 19
References:
16."Formaldehyde." Healthychild.org. HealthyChild, n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2012. <• http://www.healthychild.org/issues/chemical-pop/formaldehyde/>.
17. "Formaldehyde - Information on Hazards and Precautions | Real Estate Development and Facilities." Formaldehyde - Information on Hazards and Precautions | Real Estate Development and Facilities. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2012. <http://redaf.med.nyu.edu/safety/environmental-health-safety/reference-materials/chemical-safety/formaldehyde>.
18."Formaldehyde (chemical Compound)." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 11 Nov. 2012. <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/213765/formaldehyde>.
19. "Atmosphere." Air Toxics and Indoor Air Quality in Australia. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2012. <http://www.environment.gov.au/atmosphere/airquality/publications/sok/formaldehyde.html>.
16."Formaldehyde." Healthychild.org. HealthyChild, n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2012. <• http://www.healthychild.org/issues/chemical-pop/formaldehyde/>.
17. "Formaldehyde - Information on Hazards and Precautions | Real Estate Development and Facilities." Formaldehyde - Information on Hazards and Precautions | Real Estate Development and Facilities. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2012. <http://redaf.med.nyu.edu/safety/environmental-health-safety/reference-materials/chemical-safety/formaldehyde>.
18."Formaldehyde (chemical Compound)." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 11 Nov. 2012. <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/213765/formaldehyde>.
19. "Atmosphere." Air Toxics and Indoor Air Quality in Australia. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2012. <http://www.environment.gov.au/atmosphere/airquality/publications/sok/formaldehyde.html>.