Formaldehyde
A general fact sheet to help businesses (PCBU) manage the risks of Formaldehyde in the workplace.
Large quantities of formaldehyde-based resins are used as glue for manufacturing wood pressed products such as particleboards and plywood.
It is also present in low concentrations in a variety of consumer products.
Formaldehyde technical fact sheet
What is formaldehdye?
Formaldehyde is a colourless, irritating and unpleasant smelling flammable gas used for embalming or in glues.
Formaldehyde is soluble in water and often used as a water-based solution known as formalin.
How can formaldehdye harm workers?
Large quantities of formaldehyde-based resins are used as glue for manufacturing wood pressed products such as particleboards and plywood. It is also present in low concentrations in a variety of consumer products.
The potential for harm depends on concentration and duration of use. Exposure can cause:
Skin irritation and burns
You may experience irritation, burns and allergic reactions with direct skin contact
Eye nose and throat irritation
You may experience eye, nose and throat irritation through inhalation.
Eye damage
You may experience serious eye damage with direct eye contact.
Nasal cancers
Exposure to formaldehyde may cause nasal cancers.
How to protect yourself and workers?
Exposure to formaldehyde mainly occurs through inhalation, ingestion or direct contact with the skin or eyes.
Where possible you should not use formaldehyde, or use other, safer products that don’t contain it.
If you have to work with formaldehyde you must:
- use ventilation
- substitute with lower concentration products use tools to avoid skin contact
- use the right personal protective equipment (PPE), eg respirators, safety goggles, chemical resistant clothing and gloves
- train workers to fit, use and maintain PPE
- have safety equipment available, eg eye wash and showers do air monitoring regularly
- always follow the advice in safety data sheets and on product labels.
In the event of suspected exposure, call the Poisons Information Centre on 131 126.
Where is formaldehyde used?
Large quantities of formaldehyde-based resins are used as glue for manufacturing wood pressed products such as particleboards and plywood. It is also present in low concentrations in a variety of consumer products.
Further information
Translated resources
This general fact sheet is also available in:
Technical fact sheet
Read the formaldehyde technical fact sheet.