What health problems does formaldehyde cause?
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.
What happens if you breathe in formaldehyde?
Breathing air containing low levels of formaldehyde can cause burning and watering eyes. As levels increase, it can cause burning of the nose and throat, coughing, and difficulty in breathing. Some people may be more sensitive to formaldehyde and have effects at levels lower than expected.
Is it dangerous to inhale formaldehyde?
Rescuer Protection. Formaldehyde is a highly toxic systemic poison that is absorbed well by inhalation. The vapor is a severe respiratory tract and skin irritant and may cause dizziness or suffocation. Contact with formaldehyde solution may cause severe burns to the eyes and skin.
What are some of the negative impacts of formaldehyde on human health and the environment?
When inhaled, formaldehyde causes narrowing of the bronchi resulting in coughing, wheezing, chest pains, and bronchitis. At high levels, formaldehyde can cause fluid build-up in the lungs and can result in death.
Can formaldehyde make you sick?
Formaldehyde Poisoning is a disorder brought about by breathing the fumes of formaldehyde. This can occur while working directly with formaldehyde, or using equipment cleaned with formaldehyde. Major symptoms may include eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches; and/or skin rashes.
Can formaldehyde cause brain damage?
As excess formaldehyde accelerates glycolysis and glutathione export in neural cells, formaldehyde-induced alterations in brain metabolism and oxidative stress may contribute to the pathological progression of neurodegenerative disorders.
What does formaldehyde do to humans?
When formaldehyde is present in the air at levels exceeding 0.1 ppm, some individuals may experience adverse effects such as watery eyes; burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat; coughing; wheezing; nausea; and skin irritation.