Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhere It Comes FromIs It Dangerous?Cancer LinkReducing Exposure
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Where It Comes From
Is It Dangerous?
Cancer Link
Reducing Exposure
Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas at room temperature. It has a distinct odor, sometimes described as smelling like pickles.
Exposure to very high levels of formaldehyde for many years has been linked to more serious medical problems, including a greater risk ofcancer.
This article discusses where formaldehyde comes from, toxicity levels, and the link to cancer.
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Where Formaldehyde Comes From
Formaldehyde SourcesFormaldehyde is commonly found in:Glues and adhesivesPressed-wood products (plywood, particleboard, and fiberboard)Insulation materialsFertilizersAntiseptics, medicinesCosmeticsCleaning productsSmoke from cigarettes, gas stoves, or open fireplaces
Formaldehyde Sources
Formaldehyde is commonly found in:Glues and adhesivesPressed-wood products (plywood, particleboard, and fiberboard)Insulation materialsFertilizersAntiseptics, medicinesCosmeticsCleaning productsSmoke from cigarettes, gas stoves, or open fireplaces
Formaldehyde is commonly found in:
Even if a product doesn’t use formaldehyde as an ingredient, it could contain substances that release the chemical. This is sometimes the case for products such as soaps, cosmetics, shampoos, and sunscreens.
Who Is Exposed to Formaldehyde?Professionals who may be at risk for formaldehyde exposure include:Construction workersAgricultural workersWorkers who manufacture plastics, resins, or foam insulationBeauticiansMorticians
Who Is Exposed to Formaldehyde?
Professionals who may be at risk for formaldehyde exposure include:Construction workersAgricultural workersWorkers who manufacture plastics, resins, or foam insulationBeauticiansMorticians
Professionals who may be at risk for formaldehyde exposure include:
Is Formaldehyde Exposure Dangerous?
The level of exposure depends upon the dose, duration of time spent around it, and the work being done. Research suggests that formaldehyde is not harmful at low levels, but even low levels can trigger unwanted symptoms in some individuals.Exposure to higher amounts of the chemical, especially over a long period, can lead to more profound negative health consequences.
According to the National Cancer Institute, when formaldehyde is present in the air at levels higher than 0.1 parts per million (ppm), some people can experience side effects, such as:
Are Some People Extra Sensitive to Formaldehyde?Some people may be more sensitive to the effects of formaldehyde, including very young children, older people, and those withasthmaor other breathing problems.
Are Some People Extra Sensitive to Formaldehyde?
Some people may be more sensitive to the effects of formaldehyde, including very young children, older people, and those withasthmaor other breathing problems.
Formaldehyde and Cancer Link
Exposure to formaldehyde has been shown to cause cancer in animals. Some research also suggests that exposure to high amounts of formaldehyde in the workplace may be linked to some types of cancer in humans, but it’s unclear whether exposure to smaller amounts can increase that risk.
Studies in humans have shown an association between formaldehyde exposure and cancer of thenasal sinusesandthe nasopharynx(the hollow tube connecting the nasal passages to the rest of the respiratory system). Other studies suggest workers exposed to high levels of formaldehyde, such as embalmers and certain medical professionals, may have an increased chance of developingleukemia.
Based on the existing evidence, some national and international agencies have concluded the health risks of formaldehyde, which include:
How to Reduce Formaldehyde Exposure
If you purchase products containing formaldehyde, there are some ways to lessen your exposure, which include:
If you’re concerned about high levels of formaldehyde in your home, you may want to hire an indoor air-quality consultant or order a test kit to analyze the conditions.
Reducing Exposure in the Workplace
Government agencies have placed limits on formaldehyde exposure for workers. The limit is 0.75 ppm, on average, for an eight-hour workday. The highest level of formaldehyde a worker can be exposed to is 2 ppm, which can only occur over 15 minutes.
Additionally, employers must monitor chemical levels and provide equipment, such as respirators and protective clothing, if necessary.
Try not to worry too much about formaldehyde exposure that you can’t control. Most people don’t experience any health problems from small amounts of formaldehyde.
Summary
Formaldehyde is an odorless gas found in building materials and as a preservative in household products. Even lower levels of formaldehyde exposure can cause skin, eyes, nose, and throat irritation. If exposed to high levels, formaldehyde can cause health hazards, including cancer.
To reduce your exposure, avoid products that contain the chemical and do not smoke in your home. Some professionals are around higher levels of formaldehyde and should take precautions to reduce their exposure.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Minnesota Department of Health.Formaldehyde in your home.Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.Formaldehyde and your health.American Cancer Society.Formaldehyde and cancer risk.American Lung Association.Formaldehyde.The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.Formaldehyde.National Cancer Institute.Formaldehyde and cancer risk.United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).Formaldehyde.World Health Organization (WHO).Formaldehyde.National Institutes of Health.Formaldehyde.U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).What should I know about formaldehyde and indoor air quality?U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).Formaldehyde fact sheet.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Minnesota Department of Health.Formaldehyde in your home.Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.Formaldehyde and your health.American Cancer Society.Formaldehyde and cancer risk.American Lung Association.Formaldehyde.The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.Formaldehyde.National Cancer Institute.Formaldehyde and cancer risk.United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).Formaldehyde.World Health Organization (WHO).Formaldehyde.National Institutes of Health.Formaldehyde.U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).What should I know about formaldehyde and indoor air quality?U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).Formaldehyde fact sheet.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Minnesota Department of Health.Formaldehyde in your home.Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.Formaldehyde and your health.American Cancer Society.Formaldehyde and cancer risk.American Lung Association.Formaldehyde.The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.Formaldehyde.National Cancer Institute.Formaldehyde and cancer risk.United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).Formaldehyde.World Health Organization (WHO).Formaldehyde.National Institutes of Health.Formaldehyde.U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).What should I know about formaldehyde and indoor air quality?U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).Formaldehyde fact sheet.
Minnesota Department of Health.Formaldehyde in your home.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.Formaldehyde and your health.
American Cancer Society.Formaldehyde and cancer risk.
American Lung Association.Formaldehyde.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.Formaldehyde.
National Cancer Institute.Formaldehyde and cancer risk.
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).Formaldehyde.
World Health Organization (WHO).Formaldehyde.
National Institutes of Health.Formaldehyde.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).What should I know about formaldehyde and indoor air quality?
U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).Formaldehyde fact sheet.
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