This level is severely restricted due to the debilitatingly acute and chronic health effects of prolonged exposure to formaldehyde. Symptoms of formaldehyde exposure include eye, nose, and throat irritation, insomnia, headaches, depression, memory loss, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, chest pains, rashes, and asthma attacks. There can be a wide variation in individual sensitivities to formaldehyde. Most people will notice the pungent odor and experience irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat when they breathe the gas, even at low levels for short periods. Longer exposure or higher doses can cause coughing or choking.
Severe exposure can cause death from throat swelling or from chemical burns to the lungs.
Direct skin contact with formaldehyde containing liquids, such as formalin, may cause burns. Eye exposure to concentrated gas or liquid can cause serious corneal burns. There are no specific blood and urine tests that can indicate a recent exposure to formaldehyde. Generally, the severity of irritation symptoms is the best indicator of the seriousness of the exposure. Blood tests and a chest X ray may be done to evaluate possible lung injury.