Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a colorless, highly toxic, and flammable gas at room temperature. It is a strong smelling chemical which is commonly used in research and medical laboratories as an aqueous solution. Formaldehyde can act as a sensitizing agent and is a known human carcinogen that is linked to nasal cancer and lung cancer. Acute exposure is highly irritating to the respiratory system and can cause headaches and eye and throat irritation at very low concentrations.
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration's (OSHA) Formaldehyde Standard (29 CFR 1910.1048) protects workers exposed to formaldehyde from formaldehyde gas, its solutions, and materials that release formaldehyde.
UNC-CH Formaldehyde Exposure Control Policy
At UNC-Chapel Hill all employees who are using formaldehyde are required to successfully complete the online Formaldehyde training class.
Processes or occupational activities in UNC Chapel Hill laboratories that may result in formaldehyde exposure include (but are not limited to):
- Handling biological specimens/tissues preserved in formaldehyde
- Sterilization or disinfection procedures
- Embalming procedures
- Gross Anatomy laboratories involving cadavers
- Fumigation procedures
Fact Sheets
OSHA Formaldehyde Fact SheetNCDOL Formaldehyde Fact Sheet
Other Resources
OSHA Safety and Health Topic: FormaldehydeNIOSH Workplace Safety & Health Topics: Formaldehyde
NC-OSHA: A Guide to Formaldehyde