It is important that you are able to recognize signs and symptoms of formaldehyde exposure. Once a person has become sensitized to formaldehyde, lower exposures can bring on health effects similar to those previously caused by higher exposures. There are several ways to prevent formaldehyde exposure. The most effective method depends on the particular use of the formaldehyde solution. Formaldehyde exposure can often be controlled through the use of engineering controls.
Ventilation is the primary engineering control used to limit formaldehyde exposure.
The most common ventilation control used at ISU is the chemical fume hood. Fume hoods enclose contaminants produced in the cabinet and exhaust them out of the building. Past monitoring has shown that exposure is minimal when formaldehyde is used in a properly operating fume hood. Local Exhaust Local ventilation can also help reduce exposures. Local ventilation includes slot hoods, snorkel exhausts, etc. which are placed at the source of the formaldehyde.