Almost every tissue in the body has the ability to break down formaldehyde. It is usually converted to a non-toxic chemical called formate, which is excreted in the urine. Formaldehyde can also be converted to carbon dioxide and breathed out of the body. Formaldehyde is not stored in fat. Health Effects Formaldehyde is irritating to tissues when it comes into direct contact with them.
Some people are more sensitive to the effects of formaldehyde than others.
Severe pain, vomiting, coma, and possible death can occur after drinking large amounts of formaldehyde. Skin can become irritated if it comes into contact with a strong solution of formaldehyde. Several studies of laboratory rats exposed for life to high amounts of formaldehyde in air found that the rats developed nose cancer. This determination was based on specific judgements that there is limited evidence in humans and sufficient evidence in laboratory animals that formaldehyde can cause cancer. The Environmental Protection Agency has determined that formaldehyde is a probably human carcinogen based on limited evidence in humans and sufficient evidence in laboratory animals.