Formalin 37% (Formaldehyde)

1. Identification

• Product Name: Formalin 37% (Formaldehyde)
• Synonyms: Formaldehyde solution, Methanal, Methyl aldehyde, Methylene oxide
• Recommended Use: Tissue preservation, disinfectant, industrial applications
• Restrictions on Use: Not for drug, household, or other uses

2. Hazard(s) Identification

• Classification:
  • Acute Toxicity (Oral): Category 3
  • Acute Toxicity (Inhalation): Category 3
  • Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Category 1B
  • Serious Eye Damage/Eye Irritation: Category 1
  • Skin Sensitization: Category 1
  • Carcinogenicity: Category 1A
• Label Elements:
  • Signal Word: Danger
  • Hazard Statements:
    • H301: Toxic if swallowed.
    • H331: Toxic if inhaled.
    • H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
    • H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction.
    • H350: May cause cancer.
• Precautionary Statements:
  • P201: Obtain special instructions before use.
  • P202: Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood.
  • P260: Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray.
  • P264: Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
  • P270: Do not eat, drink, or smoke when using this product.
  • P280: Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
  • P301+P310: IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician.
  • P301+P330+P331: IF SWALLOWED: Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting.
  • P303+P361+P353: IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower.
  • P304+P340: IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305+P351+P338: IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P308+P313: IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention.
  • P333+P313: If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention.
  • P362+P364: Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse.
  • P405: Store locked up.
  • P501: Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local, regional, national, and international regulations.

3. Composition/Information on Ingredients

• Substance: Mixture
• Chemical Composition:
  • Formaldehyde: 37% (CAS No. 50-00-0)
  • Methanol: 6-15% (CAS No. 67-56-1)
  • Water: Balance (CAS No. 7732-18-5)

4. First-Aid Measures

• Inhalation: Move to fresh air. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen and seek medical attention.
• Skin Contact: Wash off with soap and plenty of water. Remove contaminated clothing. If skin irritation or rash occurs, seek medical advice.
• Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
• Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting. Seek medical attention immediately.

5. Fire-Fighting Measures

• Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide.
• Special Hazards Arising from the Substance: May produce toxic fumes under fire conditions, including formaldehyde, carbon oxides, and methanol vapors.
• Advice for Firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus and protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes.

6. Accidental Release Measures

• Personal Precautions: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Ensure adequate ventilation. Use personal protective equipment.
• Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains.
• Methods for Cleaning Up: Contain spillage, and then absorb with inert material (e.g., sand, earth, diatomaceous earth, vermiculite) and place in container for disposal according to local regulations.

7. Handling and Storage

• Precautions for Safe Handling: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Avoid inhalation of vapor or mist. Use adequate ventilation. Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
• Conditions for Safe Storage: Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Store locked up. Store away from incompatible materials such as strong oxidizers and acids.

8. Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

• Exposure Limits:
  • Formaldehyde: ACGIH TLV: 0.3 ppm Ceiling
  • Methanol: ACGIH TLV: 200 ppm TWA, 250 ppm STEL
• Engineering Controls: Use appropriate exhaust ventilation to keep airborne concentrations below recommended exposure limits.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
  • Eye/Face Protection: Safety goggles or face shield.
  • Skin Protection: Protective gloves and clothing.
  • Respiratory Protection: Use NIOSH-approved respirator if exposure limits are exceeded or if irritation or other symptoms are experienced.

9. Physical and Chemical Properties

• Appearance: Clear, colorless liquid
• Odor: Pungent, characteristic of formaldehyde
• pH: ~3.0-4.0
• Melting Point: Not applicable
• Boiling Point: ~96°C (205°F)
• Flash Point: 64°C (147°F) (closed cup)
• Solubility: Completely soluble in water
• Density: ~1.08 g/cm³

10. Stability and Reactivity

• Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions.
• Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Polymerization may occur at elevated temperatures or in the presence of strong acids or bases.
• Conditions to Avoid: Heat, flames, and sparks.
• Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, strong bases.
• Hazardous Decomposition Products: Formaldehyde, carbon oxides, methanol vapors.

11. Toxicological Information

• Acute Toxicity:
  • Oral: Toxic if swallowed (LD50: 100 mg/kg for formaldehyde)
  • Inhalation: Toxic if inhaled (LC50: 0.578 mg/L for formaldehyde)
• Skin Corrosion/Irritation: Causes severe skin burns.
• Serious Eye Damage/Eye Irritation: Causes serious eye damage.
• Respiratory or Skin Sensitization: May cause an allergic skin reaction.
• Carcinogenicity: May cause cancer. Classified as a human carcinogen by IARC (Group 1).

12. Ecological Information

• Toxicity: Harmful to aquatic life.
• Persistence and Degradability: No data available.
• Bioaccumulative Potential: No data available.
• Mobility in Soil: No data available.

13. Disposal Considerations

• Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations. Do not discharge into drains, surface waters, or groundwater.

14. Transport Information

• UN Number: UN2209
• UN Proper Shipping Name: Formaldehyde solution
• Transport Hazard Class(es): 8
• Packing Group: III
• Environmental Hazards: Not a marine pollutant

15. Regulatory Information

• Safety, Health, and Environmental Regulations: Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.