ILO Home
Go to the home page
Site map | Contact us Français | Español

CISDOC database

Document ID (ISN)107375
CIS number 07-1426
ISBN(s) 92-4-151057-9
Year 1991
Convention or series no. HSG 57
Author(s)
International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS)
Title Formaldehyde - Health and safety guide
Bibliographic information World Health Organization, Distribution and Sales Service, 1211 Genève 27, Switzerland, 1991. 45p. 11 ref.
Internet access http://www.inchem.org/documents/hsg/hsg/hsg057.htm [in English]
Abstract This document provides practical guidance on the application of exposure limitation guidelines contained in Environmental Health Criteria 89 (see CIS 90-1976). Contents: identity and uses of formaldehyde; human health hazards; health surveillance and first aid; safety in storage and use; environmental hazards; summary of chemical safety information for use in the workplace; current regulations and guidelines. Formaldehyde is a suspected human carcinogen by the inhalation route. It has a pungent odour and the vapour is irritating to the skin and eyes and causes lacrimation; solutions may be irritant or corrosive, depending on the concentration. Inhalation may cause severe irritation, with a possibility of oedema, laboured breathing, dizziness and loss of consciousness.
Descriptors (primary) formaldehyde; health hazards; health engineering; IPCS
Descriptors (secondary) disposal of harmful waste; data sheet; carcinogens; ILO; UNEP; WHO; unconsciousness; caustic substances; lacrimating agents; labelling; storage; permissible levels; first aid; containment of spills; fire protection; legislation; irritants
Document type F - Information notes, codes of practice, standards
Country / State or ProvinceWHO
Subject(s) Toxic and dangerous substances
Broad subject area(s) Chemical safety
Browse category(ies) Aldehydes