Formaldehyde: toxicology and hazards

The widespread use of formaldehyde-based resins had led to the observation of consumer annoyance and health problems associated with its release. Formaldehyde vapor now is known to off-gas from many of these products. Vapor exposure of humans results in symptoms of eye and upper respiratory tract irritation. Inhaled formaldehyde also produces nasal carcinomas in rats and mice (following exposure to 14.1 ppm in mice and 5.6 ppm in rats for 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for 24 mo). These findings resulted in intensified concern over the amount of formaldehyde released into the indoor environment from various laboratory and consumer products.