WEEKLY EDITION August 23, 2017
What You Need to Know about Formaldehyde
By PSAI Executive Director Karleen Kos
Formaldehyde is the main ingredient in many commonly available
deodorizers in the portable sanitation industry. These products are
especially popular in very warm regions and areas where disposal is
not challenging. Some operators swear by them as the most
effective for dealing with odor. At the same time, formaldehyde is
known to cause cancer (see International Agency for Research on
Cancer references here and a publication from as far back as 1905
here ), and it can be difficult to dispose.
A recent disc ussion on Facebook regarding formaldehyde products in portable sanitation engendered some lively
discussion. So we thought it was important to bring you unbiased facts and information relevant to our industry.
Formaldehyde Basics
The US Occupational Safet y and Health Administration (OSHA) describes the properties, manufacture, and uses of
formaldehyde as follows.
The chemical "formaldehyde" is a colorless, pungent gas at room temperature with an approximate odor
threshold of about 1 ppm [Ex. 73 - 120]. While the term "formaldehyde" is also used to describe various
mixtures of formaldehyde, water, and alcohol, the term "formalin" more precisely describes aqueous
solutions, particularly those containing 37 to 50 per cent formaldehyde and 6 to 15 percent alcohol stabilizer.
Most formaldehyde enters commerce as formalin. […]
[…] Formaldehyde has four basic uses: as an intermediate in the production of resins; as an intermediate in
the production of industrial chemi cals; as a bactericide or fungicide; and as a component in the formulation of
end - use consumer items. […]
Formaldehyde destroys bacteria, fungi, molds, and yeast. Its commercial importance as a fungicide is
probably its greatest use as a disinfectant [ Ex. 70 - 2]. Because of its bactericidal properties, formaldehyde is
used in numerous cosmetic preparations.
Formaldehyde's uses can lead to widespread exposure in downstream industries. For example, when
f ormaldehyde is present in disinfectants, preservatives, and embalming fluid, worker exposure can occur. […]
The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also explain :
• Plants, animals, and humans naturally produce small amounts of formaldehyde.
• Once formaldehyde is in the air, it is quickly broken down, usually within hours.
• Formaldehyde dissolves easily but does not last a long time in water.
• Formaldehyde evaporates from shallow soils.
• Formaldehyde does not build up in plants and animals.
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