Chemical Properties
Formaldehyde is a colorless, pungent gas or
aqueous solution. The Odor Threshold is 0.8 ppm. Also,formalin is an aqueous solution that is 37% formaldehyde
by weight; inhibited solutions (added to prevent polymeri zation) usually contain 6 12% methyl alcohol.
Definition
ChEBI: Formaldehyde is an aldehyde resulting from the formal oxidation of methanol. It has a role as a carcinogenic agent, an allergen, an EC 3.5.1.4 (amidase) inhibitor, a disinfectant, an environmental contaminant, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite and a mouse metabolite. It is a one-carbon compound and an aldehyde.
Potential Exposure
Formaldehyde has found wide indus trial usage as a fungicide, germicide; and in disinfectants
and embalming fluids. It is also used in the manufacture of
artificial silk and textiles, latex, phenol, urea, thiourea and
melamine resins; dyes, and inks; cellulose esters and other
organic molecules; mirrors, and explosives. It is also used
in the paper, photographic, and furniture industries. It is an
intermediate in drug manufacture and is a pesticide
intermediate.
Shipping
UN1198 Formaldehyde solutions, flammable,
Hazard Class: 3; Labels: 3-Flammable liquid, 8-Corrosive
material. Cylinders must be transported in a secure upright
position, in a well-ventilated truck. Protect cylinder and
labels from physical damage. The owner of the compressed
gas cylinder is the only entity allowed by federal law
(49CFR) to transport and refill them. It is a violation of
transportation regulations to refill compressed gas cylinders
without the express written permission of the owner.
UN2209 Formaldehyde solutions, with not<25% formal dehyde, Hazard class: 8; Labels: 8-Corrosive material.
UN3077 For solids containing varying amounts of formal dehyde : UN3077
Environmentally hazardous substances, solid, n.o.s., Hazard
class: 9; Labels: 9-Miscellaneous hazardous material,
Technical Name Required.
Incompatibilities
Pure formaldehyde may polymerize
unless properly inhibited (usually with methanol). May
form explosive mixture with air. Incompatible with strong
acids; amines, strong oxidizers; alkaline materials; nitrogen
dioxide; performic acid; phenols, urea. Reaction with
hydrochloric acid forms bis-chloromethyl ether, a carcino gen. Formalin is incompatible with strong oxidizers, alkalis,
acids, phenols, urea, oxides, isocyanates, caustics,
anhydrides.
Waste Disposal
Return refillable compressed
gas cylinders to supplier. Incineration in solution of combus tible solvent. Consult with environmental regulatory agen cies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices. Generators
of waste containing this contaminant (≥100 kg/mo)
must conform with EPA regulations governing storage, trans portation, treatment, and waste disposal.
