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NIOSH

FORMALDEHYDE

ICSC: 0275

Methanal
Methyl aldehyde
Methylene oxide
H2CO
Molecular mass: 30.0
(cylinder)
ICSC # 0275 		CAS # 50-00-0
RTECS # LP8925000
October 26, 2004 Validated

TYPES OF HAZARD/ EXPOSURE

ACUTE HAZARDS/ SYMPTOMS

PREVENTION

FIRST AID/
FIRE FIGHTING

FIRE Extremely flammable.
NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.
Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out; in other cases extinguish with powder, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION Gas/air mixtures are explosive.
Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.
In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water.
EXPOSURE
AVOID ALL CONTACT!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
•INHALATION Burning sensation. Cough. Headache. Nausea. Shortness of breath.
Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
•SKIN
Cold-insulating gloves.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
•EYES Causes watering of the eyes. Redness. Pain. Blurred vision.
Safety goggles, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
•INGESTION
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL

STORAGE

PACKAGING & LABELLING

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. Remove gas with fine water spray. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus.
Fireproof. Cool.

ICSC: 0275 Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety & the Commission of the European Communities (C) IPCS CEC 1994. No modifications to the International version have been made except to add the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.

FORMALDEHYDE

ICSC: 0275

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PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
GAS , WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The gas mixes well with air, explosive mixtures are formed easily.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance polymerizes due to warming. Reacts with oxidants.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 0.3 ppm (Ceiling value); A2; SEN; (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: 0.3 ppm, 0.37 mg/m3; Sh;
Peak limitation category: I(2); Carcinogen category: 4; Germ cell mutagen group: 5; Pregnancy risk group: C;
(DFG 2004).
OSHA PEL: 1910.1048 TWA 0.75 ppm ST 2 ppm
NIOSH REL: Ca TWA 0.016 ppm C 0.1 ppm 15-minute See Appendix A
NIOSH IDLH: Ca 20 ppm See: 50000


ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

INHALATION RISK:
On loss of containment, a harmful concentration of this gas in the air will be reached very quickly.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is severely irritating to the eyes and is irritating to the respiratory tract . Inhalation of may cause lung oedema (see Notes).

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
This substance is carcinogenic to humans.

PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES

Boiling point: -20°C
Melting point: -92°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.8
Solubility in water:
very good
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.08
Flash point: Flammable Gas
Auto-ignition temperature: 430°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 7-73

ENVIRONMENTAL
DATA


N O T E S

The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation is therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate inhalation therapy by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. The occupational exposure limit value should not be exceeded during any part of the working exposure.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



ICSC: 0275 FORMALDEHYDE
(C) IPCS, CEC, 1994
IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Neither NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of NIOSH, the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. This card contains the collective views of the IPCS Peer Review Committee and may not reflect in all cases all the detailed requirements included in national legislation on the subject. The user should verify compliance of the cards with the relevant legislation in the country of use. The only modifications made to produce the U.S. version is inclusion of the OSHA PELs, NIOSH RELs and NIOSH IDLH values.
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