Is formaldehyde hazardous?
In view of its widespread use, toxicity, and volatility, exposure to formaldehyde is a significant consideration for human health. The EU has classified formaldehyde a substance which causes concern for man owing to possible carcinogenic effects but in respect of which the available information is not adequate for making a satisfactory assessment. Formaldehyde is classified as a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). According to the EPA, formaldehyde can cause watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes andf throat, nausea, and difficulty in breathing in some humans exposed at elevated levels (above 1.0 parts per million). High concentrations may trigger attacks in people with asthma.
