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NIOSH Publication No. 2005-151:

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

September 2005

Formalin (as formaldehyde)

CAS


RTECS
Synonyms & Trade Names

Formaldehyde solution [Note: Formalin is an aqueous solution that is 37% formaldehyde by weight; inhibited solutions usually contain 6-12% methyl alcohol. Also see specific listings for Formaldehyde and Methyl alcohol.]
DOT ID & Guide
1198 / 132
2209 / 132

Exposure
Limits

NIOSH REL: Ca TWA 0.016 ppm C 0.1 ppm [15-minute] See Appendix A
OSHA PEL: [1910.1048] TWA 0.75 ppm ST 2 ppm
IDLH
Ca [20 ppm] See: IDLH INDEX
Conversion
Physical Description
Colorless liquid with a pungent odor.
MW: Varies
BP: 214°F
FRZ: ?
Sol: Miscible
VP: 1 mmHg
IP: ?

Sp.Gr(77°F): 1.08
Fl.P: 185°F
UEL: 73%
LEL: 7%

Class IIIA Combustible Liquid: Fl.P. at or above 140°F and below 200°F.
Incompatibilities & Reactivities

Strong oxidizers, alkalis & acids; phenols; urea; oxides; isocyanates; caustics; anhydrides
Measurement Methods
NIOSH 2016, 2541, 3500, 3800; OSHA ID205, 52
See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
Personal Protection & Sanitation
(See protection)
Skin: Prevent skin contact
Eyes: Prevent eye contact
Wash skin: When contaminated
Remove: When wet or contaminated
Change: No recommendation
Provide: Eyewash, Quick drench
First Aid
(See procedures)
Eye: Irrigate immediately
Skin: Water flush promptly
Breathing: Respiratory support
Swallow: Medical attention immediately
Respirator Recommendations
(See Appendix E) NIOSH
At concentrations above the NIOSH REL, or where there is no REL, at any detectable concentration:
(APF = 10,000) Any self-contained breathing apparatus that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode
(APF = 10,000) Any supplied-air respirator that has a full facepiece and is operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode in combination with an auxiliary self-contained positive-pressure breathing apparatus
Escape:
(APF = 50) Any air-purifying, full-facepiece respirator (gas mask) with a chin-style, front- or back-mounted canister providing protection against the compound of concern/Any appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
Important additional information about respirator selection
Exposure Routes
inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
Irritation eyes, nose, throat, respiratory system; lacrimation (discharge of tears); cough; wheezing, dermatitis; [potential occupational carcinogen]
Target Organs
Eyes, skin, respiratory system

Cancer Site
[nasal cancer]
See also: INTRODUCTION   See MEDICAL TESTS: 0110