Formaldehyde Clear liquid.The solution gives up formaldehyde vapors
readily. These vapors are flammable over a wide vapor-air
concentration range. Water soluble.The probable oral lethal dose
for humans is 0.**5 g/kg, or between 1 ounce and 1 pint for a **0
pound person. Acute *- below 1 ppm, odor perceptible to most. **3
ppm, mild tingling of eyes. **5 ppm, increased discomfort, mild
lacrimation. *0 ppm, profuse lacrimation; can be withstood only for
few minutes. ****0 ppm, breathing difficult, cough, severe burning
of nose and throat. *****0 ppm, acute irritation of respiratory
tract, very serious injury likely. Skin *- primary irritation from
strong solutions, gas. Delayed *- sensitization dermatitis.
Suspected carcinogen. Effects in women include menstrual disorders
and secondary sterility. Solutions splashed in eyes have caused
injuries ranging from severe, permanent corneal opacification and
loss of vision to minor discomfort. In people sensitized to
formaldehyde, late asthmatic reactions may be provoked by brief
exposures at approximately 3 ppm.
