Formaldehyde safety data
GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.
GHS classification
Pictograms, signal word and hazard classes of the GHS classification
health, fire, reactivity
Hazard classes and categories
- Acute Tox. 4 (oral)
- Skin Corr. 1
- Skin Sens. 1
- Acute Tox. 1/2 (inhalation)
- Muta. 2
- Carc. 1A/1B
Hazard statements
H codes grouped by type. Percentages show the share of classification notifications that report the statement
Health hazards
- H302Harmful if swallowed.
- H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
- H317May cause an allergic skin reaction.
- H330Fatal if inhaled.
- H341Suspected of causing genetic defects.
- H350May cause cancer.
Precautionary statements
P codes for prevention, response, storage and disposal
Prevention
- P203Obtain, read and follow all safety instructions before use.
- P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
- P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
- P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
- P270Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
- P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
- P272Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
- P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
- P284In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection.
Response
- P301 + P317If swallowed: Get medical help.
- P301 + P330 + P331If swallowed: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting.
- P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
- P302 + P361 + P354If on skin: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Immediately rinse with water for several minutes.
- P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
- P305 + P354 + P338If in eyes: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
- P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
- P318If exposed or concerned, get medical advice.
- P320Specific treatment is urgent (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
- P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
- P330Rinse mouth.
- P333 + P317If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical help.
- P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
- P363Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
Storage
- P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
- P405Store locked up.
Disposal
- P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
First aid
General first aid measures. Get medical advice if you feel unwell
Handling, storage and disposal
Summaries only, follow the supplier SDS for your grade
Safe handling
Fire: NO open flames, NO sparks and NO smoking. Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. NO contact with incompatible materials: See Chemical Dangers
General: AVOID ALL CONTACT!
Inhalation: Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.
Skin: Protective gloves.
Eyes: Wear safety goggles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
Ingestion: Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work. Wash hands before eating.
Storage
Fireproof. Cool. Separated from incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers.
Disposal
Generators of waste (equal to or greater than 100 kg/mo) containing this contaminant, EPA hazardous waste number U122, must conform with USEPA regulations in storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of waste. Formaldehyde is a waste chemical stream constituent which may be subjected to ultimate disposal by controlled incineration.
Exposure limits and toxicity
Occupational exposure limits and toxicity data
- OSHA PEL, 8-hour TWA
- 0.75 ppm [0.5 ppm Action Level]
- OSHA PEL, STEL
- 2 ppm
- OSHA PEL, 8-hour TWA
- 0.75 ppm [0.5 ppm Action Level]
- OSHA PEL, STEL
- 2 ppm
- NIOSH REL, TWA
- 0.016 ppm
- NIOSH REL, ceiling
- 0.1 ppm [15 minutes]
- NIOSH REL, TWA
- 0.016 ppm
- NIOSH REL, ceiling
- 0.1 ppm [15 minutes]
- ACGIH TLV, 8-hour TWA
- 0.1 ppm
- ACGIH TLV, STEL
- 0.3 ppm
- ACGIH TLV, 8-hour TWA
- 0.1 ppm
- ACGIH TLV, STEL
- 0.3 ppm
Short-term exposure: The substance is severely irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. Inhalation of high concentrations may cause lung oedema, but only after initial corrosive effects on the eyes and the upper respiratory tract have become manifest. Long-term exposure: Repeated or chronic inhalation of the vapour may cause chronic inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. This substance is carcinogenic to humans.
Transport information
UN dangerous goods classification for road, sea and air
- UN number
- UN 3077
- Transport hazard class
- 8
- Packing group
- III
Shipping rules depend on mode, quantity and packaging. Confirm the classification with the supplier SDS and your freight forwarder.
Supplier safety data sheets
SDS documents uploaded by suppliers who list this chemical
No supplier has uploaded an SDS for Formaldehyde yet. Suppliers usually send one with their quote. Request quotes
Safety questions
Quick answers about handling Formaldehyde safely
Is Formaldehyde hazardous?
Which GHS pictograms apply to Formaldehyde?
What is the UN number of Formaldehyde?
How should Formaldehyde be stored?
Where can I get the SDS for Formaldehyde?
GHS classification summary, not an SDS. Always check the supplier's SDS. Last updated 7 Oct 2026. Report an error