There are limited data available on the direct effects of exposure to formaldehyde during pregnancy. The following resources provide information about occupational exposure to formaldehyde. Human and animal studies indicate that formaldehyde, at certain exposure levels, can be irritating to the upper respiratory tract and eyes with inhalation exposure, to the skin with dermal exposure, and to the gastrointestinal tract with oral exposure. Other sources include tobacco smoke and car emissions. Exposure to formaldehyde can irritate the skin, throat, lungs, and eyes. The Vaccine Education Center staff regularly reviews materials for accuracy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In significant doses, the chemical is a neurotoxin. Vaccine 2013;31:2738-2743. Quantities of formaldehyde at least 600 times greater than the amount contained in vaccines have been fed safely to animals in drinking water. Formaldehyde (CH₂O) is a colorless, highly toxic, and flammable gas at room temperature. When formaldehyde is present in the air at levels higher than 0.1 parts per million (ppm), some people may have health effects, such as: watery eyes burning sensations of the eyes, nose, and throat Preservatives used in some medicines and cosmetics may contain formaldehyde. Health Effects Associated with Formaldehyde Exposure: Very low levels of formaldehyde, as seen with off-gassing from certain building materials or new furnishings made with pressed wood, can irritate and burn the eyes, nose, throat, and skin. This quantity of formaldehyde is considered to be safe for two reasons: Quantity per dose: ≤ 0.005 mg – 0.1 mg, Quantity per dose: ≤ 0.005 mg – ≤ 0.1 mg, Quantity per dose: < 0.0075 mg (pediatric); < 0.015 mg (adult and dialysis formulations). Workers may be harmed by exposure to formaldehyde. Most formaldehyde produced in the United States is for the manufacture of resins, such as urea-formaldehyde, used to make the adhesives for pressed wood products, such as particleboard, furniture, paneling, cabinets, and other products. Other effects seen from exposure to high levels of formaldehyde in humans are coughing, wheezing, chest pains, and bronchitis. Find patient medical information for Formaldehyde on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings and user ratings. Formaldehyde (and closely related formalin and glutaraldehyde) is an organic chemical usually used in a water solution as a preservative and disinfectant. It is also a cancer hazard. 74-126 (1976), NIOSH Skin Notation Profiles: Formaldehyde/Formalin, Agency for Toxic Substances Disease Registry (ATSDR)–ToxFAQs: Formaldehyde, ATSDR’s Medical Management Guidelines (MMGs): Formaldehyde, ATSDR Toxicological Profile for Fomaldehyde, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)–Chemistry Dashboard: Formaldehyde, EPA Acute Exposure Guideline Levels (AEGLs): Formaldehyde, EPA Health Effects Notebook for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Formaldehyde, EPA Sources of Indoor Air Pollution: Formaldehyde, Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) Chemical Sampling Information: Formaldehyde, OSHA Safety and Health Topics: Formaldehyde, OSHA Hazard Alert: Hair Smoothing Products That Could Release Formaldehyde, National Library of Medicine (NLM)–Haz Map: Formaldehyde, NLM (Household Products Database): Formaldehyde, National Toxicology Program (NTP) Report on Carcinogens (Fourteenth Edition): Formaldehyde, New Jersey Hazardous Substance Fact Sheets: Formaldehyde, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS): Formaldehyde, European Chemical Agency(ECHA): Formaldehyde, INCHEM (Screening Information Data Set-SIDS): Formaldehyde, International Chemical Safety Cards: Formaldehyde, World Health Organization (WHO) Environmental Health Criteria 89: Formaldehyde, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Monograph (Vol. Aside from ALS risk or other nervous system consequences, formaldehyde is a respiratory irritant that causes chest pain, shortness of breath, … Formaldehyde is a sensitizing agent that cancause an immune system response upon initialexposure. The following references aid in recognizing formaldehyde hazards in the workplace. Visit NIOSH’s page on Managing Chemical Safety in the Workplace to learn more about controlling chemical workplace exposures. Formaldehyde. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable, and strong-smelling chemical. Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable, strong-smelling chemical widely used to make home building products. Formaldehyde is released by numerous agents, such as paraformaldehyde, dichlorophene, Dowicil 75 and Dowicil 200 (cis-1-(3-chloroalkyl)-3,5,7-triaza-l-azonia-adamantane chloride), bronopol, Biocide DS 52–49 (1,2-benzoisothiazoline-3-one plus a formaldehyde releaser), and Bakzid (cyclic aminoacetal). Formaldehyde has been found in at least 29 of the 1,669 National Priorities List sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 1,2 Other short-term effects include headache, runny nose, nausea and difficulty breathing. Formaldehyde is toxic over a range of doses; chances of exposure and subsequent harmful effects are increased as (room) temperature increases, because of FA's volatility. The authors concluded that formaldehyde in vaccines continues is safe. These irritations can happen at low levels of formaldehyde, especially in people who are especially sensitive to the odors. The average quantity of formaldehyde to which a young infant could be exposed to in the first two years of life may be as high as 0.7 – 0.8 mg (see table below). Some examples of workers at risk of being exposed to formaldehyde include the following: NIOSH recommends that employers use Hierarchy of Controls to prevent injuries. (Formaldehyde is a natural product of single-carbon metabolism.) The general use made of formaldehyde—especially in the form of the commercial 40 per cent. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. Formaldehyde is an environmental pollutant that is also generated in substantial amounts in the human body during normal metabolism. Although the short-term health effects of formaldehyde exposure are well known, less is known about its potential long-term health effects. Acute exposure is highly irritating to the eyes, nose, andthroat and can make anyone exposed cough andwheeze. Formaldehyde (CH₂O) is a colorless, highly toxic, and flammable gas at room temperature. 88): Formaldehyde, IARC Monograph (Vol. Skin Contact. Pure formaldehyde is a colourless, flammable gas with a strong pungent odour. Peak concentrations of formaldehyde in blood were estimated to be less than 1 percent of the level of formaldehyde naturally produced by the body. Saving Lives, Protecting People, The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Managing Chemical Safety in the Workplace, NIOSHTIC-2 search results on formaldehyde, Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) Value Profile: Formaldehyde, NIOSH Worker Health Study Summaries–Embalming Students (Formaldehyde Exposure), NIOSH Worker Health Study Summaries–Garment Workers, Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Formaldehyde, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away? OSHA Fact Sheet, (April 2011). Provides information on the harmful effects of formaldehyde on workers and how employers can protect them. The authors estimated the levels of formaldehyde in blood and total body water following exposure to formaldehyde-containing vaccines and compared them with endogenous background levels. Prolonged exposure to formaldehyde has been associated with cancers of the lung, nasopharynx, orpharynx and nasal passages (nose and throat) and some studies suggest formaldehyde may cause leukemia, particularly myeloid leukemia, in humans. The effects of inadvertent exposure are fairly well known, but the effects of intentional ingestion have only recently been investigated. If you work in an industry that uses formaldehyde, please read chemical labels and the accompanying Safety Data Sheet for hazard information. Repeated exposure to formaldehyde can possibly lead to cancer. Learn more from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry about the health effects of formaldehyde exposure. In Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs (Sixteenth Edition), 2016. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. The Health Hazard Evaluation Program (HHE) conducts onsite investigations of possible worker exposure to chemicals. Formaldehyde. For medical concerns, including decisions about vaccinations, medications and other treatments, you should always consult your physician or, in serious cases, seek immediate assistance from emergency personnel. Formaldehyde is used in pressed-wood building materials, fungicides, germicides, disinfectants, and certain preservatives. solution in water, known as formalin—as a disinfectant, as an embalming fluid by undertakers, and in histologic laboratories makes the experimental study of its toxic effects desirable. Those with asthma may have exacerbation of symptoms when exposed to formaldehyde. It is used in the production of fertilizer, paper, plywood, and some resins. Formaldehyde may increase the risk of some cancers over time. Although formaldehyde is diluted during the manufacturing process, residual quantities of formaldehyde may be found in several current vaccines (see table below). Effects on the unborn child are more likely to occur if the exposure to formaldehyde causes the mother to become unwell. And if you don't drop dead from respiratory failure or fall into a coma, drinking even tiny doses of concentrated formaldehyde can bring convulsions, stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, vertigo and a host of other very bad side effects [source: U.S. National Library of Medicine]. 3 Exposure may cause wheezing, asthma attacks and other respiratory symptoms. Formaldehyde is known to cause cancer Working with formaldehyde may increase your chances of having fertility problems or a miscarriage Last updated on Jul 21, 2020. Overview; Side Effects; Professional; More; Uses of Formaldehyde: It is used to get rid of warts. We investigated the effects of inhaled formaldehyde on anxiety, depression, cognitive capacity and central levels of glucocorticoid receptor and tyrosine hydroxylase in mice. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (NPG) helps workers, employers, and occupational health professionals recognize and control workplace chemical hazards. It is also used as a food preservative and in household products, such as antiseptics, medicines, and cosmetics It is extremely irritating to the mucous membranes and is associated with certain types of cancer in humans and other animals. I… According to the Occupational Health and Safety Agency for Healthcare in British Colombia, long-term exposure to formaldehyde can result in skin sensitization and is associated with an increased risk of cancer 1 3. Formaldehyde is used in many industries. Following a single intramuscular dose of 200 micrograms of formaldehyde, which is equivalent to the amount of formaldehyde received from DTaP, Hib, IPV, and hepatitis B at a single office visit, formaldehyde was completely removed from the site of injection within 30 minutes. 3401 Civic Center Blvd. In 1980, laboratory studies showed that exposure to formaldehyde could cause nasal cancer in rats. Applies to formaldehyde topical: external solution. Formaldehyde. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. Formaldehyde irritates the nose, eyes, and throat. It has also been associated with decreased fertility and adverse reproductive effects. Useful search terms for formaldehyde include “methanal,” “methyl aldehyde,” “methylene oxide.”. ; It is used to treat odor and very bad sweating of the feet. Concerns about safety have focused on formaldehyde in part because high concentrations of formaldehyde can damage DNA (the building block of genes) and cause cancerous changes in … Formaldehyde, a major component in embalming fluid, is legal to purchase and possess and has become popular due to its euphoric properties. This finding raised the question of whether formaldehyde exposure could also cause cancer in humans. Formaldehyde is an intermediate in the oxidation (or combustion) of methane, as well as of other carbon compounds, e.g. Generic Name: Formaldehyde (for MAL de hyde) Brand Name: Formadon, Lazerformalyde Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Formaldehyde is essential in human metabolism and is required for the synthesis of DNA and amino acids (the building blocks of protein). Formulations. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. The minimal concentration of formaldehyde that can be detected by odor is similar to the level that produces minimal irritant effects on the eyes and in the pulmonary airway, thereby serving as a warning of exposure to the compound. Concerns about safety have focused on formaldehyde in part because high concentrations of formaldehyde can damage DNA (the building block of genes) and cause cancerous changes in cells in the laboratory. This aldehyde is a well‐established neurotoxin that affects memory, learning, and behavior. Health Effects of Formaldehyde Formaldehyde can cause irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. The irritant effects are reversible when exposure is discontinued. Formaldehyde is classified as a human carcinogen (cancer-causing substance). High levels of exposure may cause some types of cancers. 4 CDC twenty four seven. PRECAUTIONS: Before using formaldehyde, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia is a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. What Happens When the Immune System Does Not Work Properly? You should not consider the information in this site to be specific, professional medical advice for your personal health or for your family's personal health. While formaldehyde is a likely cause of nasopharyngeal cancer, the quantities contained in vaccines are not sufficient to cause cancer. When exposed to the compound for an appreciable length of time, the throat may feel raw and sore. It’s used in glues and resins, dyes, textiles, disinfectants, building materials, automobile parts, embalming, and laboratories. Among the acute effects of formaldehyde are irritations of the eyes, the nose, and the throat. WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. The level of exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done. It is also used as a food preservative and in household products, such as antiseptics, medicines, and cosmetics. Search the HHE database for more information on chemical topics. Not all influenza vaccines contain formaldehyde, but some preparations contain amounts between < 0.005 – 0.1 mg. Mitkus RJ, Hess MA, Schwartz SL. Subsequent exposure may cause severeallergic reactions of the skin, eyes and respiratorytract. 62): Wood Dust and Formaldehyde, United Nations Environmental Programme (OECD SIDS): Formaldehyde, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Agricultural workers who work in confinement livestock production, Construction workers who work with resin manufactured products, Workers who manufacture plastics, resins and foam insulation, Beauticians who apply dyes and smoothing products. Most of us probably dont feel familiar with the name of this particular substance. However, formaldehyde is easy to find in our daily life. Materials in this section are updated as new information and vaccines become available. Philadelphia, PA 19104, Pharmacokinetic modeling as an approach to assessing the safety of residual formaldehyde in infant vaccines, Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis Vaccines, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) Vaccine, Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) Vaccine, Vaccine- and Vaccine Safety-Related Q&A Sheets, “Special Topics” Online Series Q&A Sheets, Antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) and vaccines, Autoimmune/Inflammatory Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants, Vaccine Considerations for Specific Groups, Vaccine Considerations for New and Expectant Moms, Evaluating Scientific Information and Studies, Licensure, Recommendations and Requirements. Search the HHE database for more information on the direct effects of formaldehyde at 29! Cough andwheeze and in household products, such as antiseptics, medicines, and.! 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