NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

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] 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
Personal Protection & Sanitation
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 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
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