Formaldehyde (formalin)

Prepared by: Michael J. Huerkamp, DVM, Diplomate ACLAM
Date: April 12, 1999

Agent: Formaldehyde (formalin)

Formaldehyde is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor. It is flammable with irritant properties including skin and respiratory tract sensitization and it is a potential cancer hazard. Formaldehyde is used as a fixing agent for pathology specimens and as an antispeptic agent and astringent. Solutions may contain 0.1-37% formaldehyde and may release formaldehyde gas into the air under normal conditions of use. Human exposure should not exceed 0.75 ppm for an 8 hour day (time-weighted average) and 2 ppm for a maximum of 15 minutes (short-term exposure limit).

Potential Hazard: DAR employees may be exposed to formaldehyde in liquid or gas form during necropsy procedures and tissue processing, in partial or whole body perfusion of animals, and in fumigation of rooms or areas. Contact with the eyes, skin, mucous membranes or inhalation of vapors cause irritation or sensitization.

Recommended Precautions: Under laboratory conditions, formaldehyde should be used under a ventilated hood or down draft necropsy table. Users should wear gloves, eye protection and other protective apparel to prevent skin contact and wash hands after use. Containers should be kept closed as much as possible. Formaldehyde should be collected for waste disposal by the Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO). Do not dispose in sewers or water sources.

For nonhuman primate perfusion, procedures should be done either on a down draft necropsy table (Rollins Building) or anesthetized animals should be perfused in M001 WMRB (procedures room) with the perfusate captured from the thoracic cavity using the dedicated suction device and receptacle. Studies done by the EHSO on February 4, 1997, showed that personnel using the dedicated suction device and receptacle were exposed to 0.1 ppm formaldehyde over the course of 34 minutes. Perfusate from perfusions may be disposed into sewage using copious quantities of flush water. Personnel should wear lab coats/gowns, latex gloves, goggles, and surgical-type mask for perfusions.

In the case of spills, ventilate the area and shut off ignition sources and flames. Wear nitrile gloves, goggles and protective clothing and contact the EHSO (7-5688). Do not flush formaldehyde down the sewer or to surface waters.

References: OSHA Formaldehyde Regulations, 29CFR1910.1048