Formaldehyde (methyl aldehyde): Health effects
Description
Exposure to low levels of formaldehyde irritates the eyes, nose and throat, and can cause allergies affecting the skin and lungs. Higher exposure levels can cause throat spasms and a build up of fluid in the lungs, leading to death. Contact can also cause severe eye and skin burns, leading to permanent damage. These symptoms may appear hours after exposure, even if no pain is felt. Formaldehyde can cause an asthma-like respiratory allergy. Any further exposure can cause asthma attacks with shortness of breath, wheezing, cough and/or chest tightness. Repeated exposures may cause bronchitis, with coughing and shortness of breath.
In 2004, the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission classified formaldehyde as a potential carcinogen (when inhaled). A carcinogen is a chemical capable of causing cancer.
Entering the body
Formaldehyde can enter the body by inhaling fumes (from smog, cigarettes and other tobacco products, gas cookers and open fireplaces), contact with solutions containing formaldehyde, or by eating and drinking foods containing formaldehyde. Eating formaldehyde-tainted foods may have a different effect than inhaling formaldehyde vapours.
Exposure
Formaldehyde concentrations indoors are generally higher than outdoor levels, due to the relatively low indoor ventilation rate. There is also a higher usage of products indoors, such as building materials, consumer products and fabrics that may emit formaldehyde, and from other potential sources of formaldehyde such as from combustion of gas used in cooking and refrigeration. Opening windows and using fans are the easiest ways to reduce formaldehyde levels in a house.
It is also possible to eat or drink products contaminated by, or containing, formaldehyde or to be exposed via skin contact through cosmetics or consumer products.
Health guidelines
Workplace Exposure:
Currently (January 2007), the eight-hour time weighted average (TWA) exposure limit is1.2 mg/m3, and the short term exposure limit (STEL) is 2.5 mg/m3. In its 2006 evaluation of formaldehyde, the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) recommended reducing the TWA and STEL to 0.36 mg/m3 and 0.72 mg/m3, respectively. Consult with your state or territory workplace safety authority to confirm current guidelines.
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines:
In 1996, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand (ARMCANZ) have established the following guideline for acceptable water quality:
Maximum of 0.5 mg/L (i.e. 0.0005 g/L).
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