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Formaldehyde can be used as a disinfectant or a sterilant. It is often found mixed in water and referred to as formalin. Formaldehyde can be used to prepare viral vaccines; as an embalming agent; as a tissue fixative; and in the sterilization of medical equipment (e.g., surgical instruments, hemodialyzers). Paraformaldehyde (a solid polymer of formaldehyde) can be heat vaporized for the gaseous decontamination of laminar flow biologic safety cabinets.
Formaldehyde is a sensitizing agent that can cause an immune system response upon initial exposure. It is also a cancer hazard. Acute exposure is highly irritating to the eyes, nose, and throat and can make anyone exposed cough and wheeze. Subsequent exposure may cause severe allergic reactions of the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. Ingestion of formaldehyde can be fatal, and long-term exposure to low levels in the air or on the skin can cause asthma-like respiratory problems and skin irritation such as dermatitis and itching. Concentrations of 100 ppm are immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH).
The OSHA Formaldehyde standard and equivalent regulations in states with OSHA-approved state plans protects workers exposed to formaldehyde and apply to all occupational exposures to formaldehyde from formaldehyde gas, its solutions, and materials that release formaldehyde.
In general, the OSHA standard requires covered employers to: