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Formaldehyde																				Related Pages
Synonyms & Trade Names
			Methanal, Methyl aldehyde, Methylene oxide
CAS No.
			50-00-0
	RTECS No.
			LP8925000
	DOT ID & Guide

FormulaHCHO
	Conversion
			1 ppm = 1.23 mg/m3
	IDLH
			Ca [20 ppm]See: 50000

Exposure Limits
			NIOSH RELCa TWA 0.016 ppm C 0.1 ppm [15-minute] See Appendix A
					OSHA PEL [1910.1048] TWA 0.75 ppm ST 2 ppm
	Measurement Methods
			**NIOSH** 2016 , 2541 , 3500 , 3800;**OSHA** ID205 , 52
					
					See: NMAM or OSHA Methods
										
Physical Description
			Nearly colorless gas with a pungent, suffocating odor.
					[Note: Often used in an aqueous solution (see specific listing for Formalin).]													
										
Molecular Weight30.0	
	Boiling Point-6°F
	Freezing Point-134°F
	SolubilityMiscible
	Vapor Pressure>1 atm
	Ionization Potential10.88 eV											
Flash PointNA (Gas)
	Upper Explosive Limit73%
	Lower Explosive Limit7.0%
	Relative Gas Density1.04
Flammable Gas
Incompatibilities & Reactivities
			Strong oxidizers, alkalis & acids; phenols; urea
					[Note: Pure formaldehyde has a tendency to polymerize. Reacts with HCl to form bis-Chloromethyl ether.]
Exposure Routes
			inhalation, skin and/or eye contact
Symptoms
			irritation eyes, nose, throat, respiratory system; lacrimation (discharge of tears); cough; wheezing; [potential occupational carcinogen]
Target Organs
			Eyes, respiratory system
Cancer Site[nasal cancer]										
Personal Protection/Sanitation
			(See protection codes) **Skin:**No recommendation
							**Eyes:**Prevent eye contact
							**Wash skin:**No recommendation
							**Remove:**No recommendation
							**Change:**No recommendation
	First Aid
			(See procedures)**Eye:**Irrigate immediately
							**Breathing:**Respiratory support
Respirator Recommendations
			(See Appendix E)**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 concernAny appropriate escape-type, self-contained breathing apparatus
				Important additional information about respirator selection
See also
			INTRODUCTION
					  ICSC CARD: 0695
					  MEDICAL TESTS: 0110

			
							

			Page last reviewed:  October 30, 2019						Content
							source: 	National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
Introduction
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CAS Numbers
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Appendices
A – NIOSH Potential Occupational Carcinogens
B – Thirteen OSHA-Regulated Carcinogens
C – Supplementary Exposure Limits
D – Substances with No Established RELs
E – OSHA Respirator Requirements for Selected Chemicals
F – Miscellaneous Notes
G – 1989 Air Contaminants Update Project: Exposure Limits NOT in Effect
Type C & CE – Definitions for Type C and Type CE Respirators
Personal Protection and Sanitation Codes
First Aid Procedures Follow NIOSH Facebook
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