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Formaldehyde
Posted Date:2016/6/16
Basic Information:
Formaldehyde solution is also named formalin solution. Its CAS number is 50-00-0 with the chemical formula HCHO. The formula weight is 30.03. Formaldehyde is a colorless and strong-smelling gas and causes eye and nose irritation. Its relative density of the gas is 1.067 (air is 1) and density of liquid is 0.815g/㎝³ (-20℃). And its melting point is -92℃ and boiling point is -19.5℃. Formaldehyde is soluble in water and ethyl alcohol.
Formaldehyde has strong reducing action, especially in alkaline solution. It is able to burn and release carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. The steam generated by burning and the air will form explosive mixture with an explosion limit of 7%~73%. The ignition temperature is about 300℃.
It is used in making building materials and many household products and used in pressed-wood products, such as particleboard, plywood, and fiberboard; glues and adhesives; permanent-press fabrics; paper product coatings; and certain insulation materials. It is also used to make other chemicals.
The top concentration of the formaldehyde solution can be up to 55%.Usually when it is 40%, it is called formalin which is commonly used as an industrial disinfectant, and as a preservative in funeral homes and medical labs. It can also be used as a preservative in some foods and in products, such as antiseptics, medicines, and cosmetics. Sometimes, although formaldehyde is not used, substances that release formaldehyde are. These have been found in cosmetics, soaps, shampoos, lotions and sunscreens, and cleaning products.
Main hazard of the formaldehyde:
The main way people are exposed to formaldehyde is by inhaling it. The liquid form can be absorbed through the skin. People can also be exposed to small amounts by eating foods or drinking liquids containing formaldehyde.
Exposure to formaldehyde has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory test animals. Exposure to relatively high amounts of formaldehyde in medical and occupational settings has been linked to some types of cancer in humans, but the effect of exposure to small amounts is less clear.
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
* coughing
* wheezing
* nausea
* skin irritation
Some people are very sensitive to formaldehyde, but others have no reaction to the same level of exposure.
Formaldehyde in consumer products such as cosmetics and lotions can cause an allergic reaction in the skin (allergic contact dermatitis), which can lead to an itchy, red rash which may become raised or develop blisters.
The GHS classification in some countries
Classification in China
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Hazard classification
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Hazard statement code
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Acute toxicity, oral
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Category 3
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H301: Toxic if swallowed
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Acute toxicity, dermal
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Category 3
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H311: Toxic in contact with skin
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Acute toxicity, inhalation
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Category 3
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H331: Toxic if inhaled
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Skin corrosion/irritation
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Category1B
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H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
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Serious eye damage/eye irritation
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Category1
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H318: Causes serious eye damage
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Sensitisation, skin
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Category1
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H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction
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Germ cell mutagenicity
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Category 2
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H341: Suspected of causing genetic defects
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Carcinogenicity
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Category1A
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H350: May cause cancer
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Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation
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Category 3
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H335: May cause respiratory irritation
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Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard
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Category 2
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H401: Toxic to aquatic life
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Classification per Japan NITE Chemical Risk Information Platform
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Hazard classification
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Hazard statement code
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Flammable liquids
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Category 4
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H227: Combustible liquid
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Acute toxicity, oral
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Category 3
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H301: Toxic if swallowed
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Acute toxicity, dermal
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Category 3
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H311: Toxic in contact with skin
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Acute toxicity, inhalation(gas)
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Category 2
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H330: Fatal if inhaled
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Skin corrosion/irritation
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Category 2
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H315: Causes skin irritation
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Serious eye damage/eye irritation
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Category2A
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H319: Causes serious eye irritation
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Sensitisation, skin
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Category1
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H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction
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Sensitisation, respiratory
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Category1
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H334: May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled
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Germ cell mutagenicity
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Category 2
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H341: Suspected of causing genetic defects
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Carcinogenicity
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Category1A
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H350: May cause cancer
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Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure
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Category1
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H370: Causes damage to organs
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Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure
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Category1
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H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
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Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard
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Category 2
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H401: Toxic to aquatic life
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Classification per CLP
|
Hazard classification
|
Hazard statement code
|
|
Acute toxicity, oral
|
Category 3
|
H301: Toxic if swallowed
|
|
Acute toxicity, dermal
|
Category 3
|
H311: Toxic in contact with skin
|
|
Acute toxicity, inhalation
|
Category 3
|
H331: Toxic if inhaled
|
|
Skin corrosion/irritation
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Category1B
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H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
|
|
Sensitisation, skin
|
Category1
|
H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction
|
|
Germ cell mutagenicity
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Category 2
|
H341: Suspected of causing genetic defects
|
|
Carcinogenicity
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Category1B
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H350: May cause cancer
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Note: the hazard classification requirement of specific product should be complied with the local supervision laws and regulations of the importer.