Formaldehyde (methyl aldehyde): Environmental effects
Description
Formaldehyde dissolves easily in water, and eventually decomposes. In air, formaldehyde decomposes relatively quickly (within 24 hours) to form formic acid and carbon monoxide. Formaldehyde does not bioaccumulate in plants and animals.
Chronic effects in animals may include shortened lifespan, reproductive problems, lower fertility and changes in appearance or behaviour. Chronic effects can be seen a long time after first exposure to a toxic chemical. Formaldehyde has high chronic toxicity to aquatic life. Formaldehyde may cause cancer and other chronic illnesses in rodents. Birds and terrestrial animals exposed to formaldehyde could contract similar diseases. Insufficient data are available to evaluate or predict the long-term effects of formaldehyde in plants.
Entering the environment
Formaldehyde is transported in air, water and contaminated soils.
Where it ends up
Formaldehyde is slightly persistent in water, with a half-life of 2-20 days. About 99% of emitted formaldehyde will eventually end up in the air, and the rest will end up in the water. Formaldehyde can also be formed as a result of photochemical reactions between other chemicals in already polluted air. These reactions may account for most of the formaldehyde in the air in some areas.
Environmental guidelines
Currently (January 2007), there are no environmental guidelines for formaldehyde. In its 2006 evaluation of formaldehyde, the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) recommended an ambient air standard in the order or 80 parts per billion.
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