Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring chemical compound. It is a colourless water-soluble, flammable gas with pungent odour in its natural state, but it can adopt many forms. Formalin that is used in pathology laboratories is a solution containing 40% formaldehyde. Formalin solution when exposed to open air evaporates as formaldehyde gas at normal room temperature. Exposure to higher levels of formaldehyde concentration has immediate health effects ,it is also classified as carcinogenic. Long term exposure leads to severe health effects. Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring chemical compound, all organisms including human beings produce a small quantity of formaldehyde as a result of metabolic process. Formaldehyde gas is converted to other forms for its usage in various chemical process.

It’s used in paint industry, viny flooring, pressed wood products such as particle board, plywood, fibreboard, glues and adhesives, fertilizers, pesticides, used as industrial fungicide, germicide, and disinfectant, formalin solution is used in medical laboratories and hospitals. Initial symptoms of formaldehyde exposure are irritation of eyes, throat and nose, coughing, headache, wheezing etc. Long term exposure may lead to cancer. Some people are more sensitive to formaldehyde, while some are less sensitive to the same level of formaldehyde concentration. Inhalation of formaldehyde gas causes bronchitis and pneumonia. As per OSHA(Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards the safe level of exposure is an average of 0.75 PPM over a period of 8-hours. The maximum level of formaldehyde concentration a person can be exposed to is 2.0 PPM for a period not more than 15 inutes.