Occupational Health

Formaldehyde was the most commonly exposed toxic chemical during my working days at hospital settings. This is most commonly used as a disinfectant and sterilizing agent for  medical equipment's. It is commonly used as aqueous solution which has pungent odor. The recommended level is 0.75pp over an 8 hour working day for an employee. Most common mode of entry is through accidental spillage of the chemical in hospital settings.

Potential Acute Health Effects:

Very hazardous in case of eye contact (irritant), of Ingestion. Hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant, sensitizer, permeator), of eye contact (corrosive). Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (corrosive). Severe over-exposure can result in death. Inflammation of the eye is characterized by redness, watering and itching.

Potential Chronic Health Effects:

Hazardous in case of skin contact (sensitizer).

CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS: Classified A2 (Suspected for human) by ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists), 2A (Probable for human.) by IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer).

Special Remarks on other Toxic Effects on Humans:  

Contact with liquid causes severe eye irritation and burns. It may cause irreversible eye damage (Severe corneal Solutions containing low formaldehyde concentrations may produce transient discomfort and irritation).

Inhalation: Causes irritation of the respiratory tract (nose, throat, airways). Symptoms may include dry and sore mouth and throat, thirst, and sleep disturbances, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, coughing, sneezing, wheezing rhinitis, chest tightness, pulmonary edema, bronchitis.

Behavior/central nervous system: (excitement, central nervous system depression, somnolence, convulsions, stupor, aggression, headache, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, coma).

May also affect the liver(jaundice), urinary system/kidneys (difficulty urinating,  ), blood, endocrine system.

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection:

Engineering Controls: Provide exhaust ventilation or other engineering controls to keep the airborne concentrations of vapors below their respective threshold limit value. Ensure that eyewash stations and safety showers are proximal to the work-station location.

Personal Protection: Safety glasses. Lab coat. Vapor respirator.  Use of an approved/certified respirator or equivalent. Gloves (impervious).

Personal Protection in Case of a Large Spill: Splash goggles. Full suit. Vapor respirator. Boots. Gloves. A self contained breathing apparatus should be used to avoid inhalation of the product. Suggested protective clothing might not be sufficient; consult a specialist BEFORE handling this product.