Avoiding Formaldehyde Dangers

FORMALDEHYDE: Evidence of Carcinogenicity

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that formaldehyde be handled as a potential occupational carcinogen and that appropriate controls be used to reduce worker exposure. These recommendations are based primarily on a Chemical Industry Institute of Toxicology (C I I T) study in which laboratory rats and mice exposed to formaldehyde vapor developed nasal cancer, and are supported by a New York University study where rats exposed to a mixture of formaldehyde and hydrochloric acid vapors developed nasal cancer. Formaldehyde has also been shown to be a mutagen in several short-term laboratory studies. In addition to the carcinogenic potential, other adverse health effects caused by formaldehyde are describe. NIOSH requests that producers and distributors of formaldehyde and of substances and materials containing formaldehyde give this information to their employees and customers, and that professional and trade associations and unions inform their members. Read more...

Formaldehyde OSHA Standards

Exposures to formaldehyde are addressed in specific standards for maritime, construction, and general industries. This page highlights OSHA standards, preambles to final rules (background to final rules), directives (instructions for compliance officers), and standard interpretations (official letters of interpretation of the standards) related to formaldehyde.

FEMA Formaldehyde Statistics

Per your request, formaldehyde air monitoring was performed in FEMA new and refurbished trailers on March 28 and 29, 2006. The focus of the monitoring was to determine the worker exposure level of formaldehyde and to evaluate the work operations associated with the trailer staging operations. The monitoring was conducted by Messrs Ken Medernach and Vincent McCarthy, Disaster Safety Officers (DSO), FEMA Occupational Safety and Health (OSH). FEMA employees performing work activities involving the trailer staging operations may include inspections, prep work and set-up for trailers prior to public receipt. This monitoring was conducted in response to concerns and inquiries related to potential employee exposure to formaldehyde.

Additional Resources:

OSHA Formaldehyde Standard Training Videos