Formalin Safety Data Sheet

CHEMICAL PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

• Product Namely: Formalin (Buffered).
• Signal Sign: Danger!
• Read below for responsible handling of the Formalin Safety Data Sheet!

Formalin, commonly referred to as formalin solution, is a clear, colourless liquid with an overpoweringly strong smell. It is frequently used in the making of resins, adhesives, & other industrial chemicals as well as a preservative, disinfectant, & sterilising agent. Formalin is a 37% formaldehyde (HCHO) in a water solution.

• It is flammable & combustible.
• Avoid hot surfaces, sparks, open flames, & heat sources.
• Avoid smoking while handling this product.
• It is poisonous if swallowed.
• It may cause slight skin discomfort.
• It may lead to significant eye damage or irritation.
• If breathed in: It may result in symptoms of allergies, asthma, or breathing problems.
• It is highly recommended that avoid inhaling fumes, spray, or mist.
• Carcinogenic: It is doubtful of cancer-causing potential.
• Obtain specific directions before using.
• Do not handle until you have read & comprehended all safety precautions.
• As needed, wear personal protective equipment.
• It causes organ damage.
• Avoid eating, drinking, & smoking while handling this product.

• Synonyms: Methanol.

FIRST-AID MEASURES

• If Respiratory symptoms occur due to exposure: Contact a doctor.
• If inhaled: Remove the victim to fresh air & keep them at rest in a breathing-friendly position.
• If in the eyes: Carefully rinse for a few minutes with water. If contact lenses are present and simple to remove, do so. Rinsing continues.
• If on the skin: Thoroughly rinse with water.
• If Swallowed: Rinse mouth if swallowed. If you feel unwell, contact a doctor.

FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

• It is noncombustible & nonflammable solution.
• Use a tri-class dry chemical fire extinguisher in the event of a fire.

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

• Ventilate the area.
• Remove any ignition sources.
• Sand or another neutral absorbent substance can be used to contain spills; dump it in a container or sealed bag.

HANDLING & STORAGE

• Store alongside oils, esters, aldehydes, & hydrocarbons.
• Keep this in a cool place.
• Do not inhale spray, fumes, or mist.
• As formalin can lead to respiratory distress & other health issues, use with sufficient ventilation.
• When not in use, keep containers closed.
• Store far from heat sources, sparks, & open flames in a cool, well-ventilated place.
• Avoid using oxidizing substances & strong acids.

EXPOSURE CONTROLS, PERSONAL PROTECTION

• Wear appropriate eye protection, gloves, & clothes.
• After handling, carefully wash your hands.
• If the ventilation is poor, use respiratory protection.
• TLV-C 0.3 ppm (ACGIH) and PEL 0.75 ppm are the exposure standards (OSHA).
• Odor tolerance range: 0.05 to 1 ppm. More ventilation is required if a formaldehyde odor is found.

PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

• Appearance: it is a clear, colorless liquid.
• Odor: It has a characteristic odor.
• State: It is neutral & buffered.
• Solubility: It is miscible in water & alcohol.
• Biological usage: It acts as a tissue fixative.
• Boiling point: 101.3°C.
• Melting point: -19°C.
• Flashpoint: -19°C(below room temperature).
• Vapor pressure: 10.2 kPa at 20°C.
• Vapor density: 1.07(air = 1).
• Specific gravity: 1.08 at 20°C.

STABILITY & REACTIVITY

• Avoid coming into contact with strong bases, strong oxidizers, & strong acids.
• If properly stored, the shelf life is indefinite.

TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION

• Acute Effects: It is highly poisonous, irritating to the eyes, & sensitizer.
• Chronic Effects: It is the potential carcinogen & mutagen, pulmonary edema.
• Target Organs: It targets kidneys & eyes.
• LD50 as formaldehyde for ORL-RAT: 100 mg/kg.
• IHL-RAT LC50 as formaldehyde: 203 mg/m3.
• SKN-LD50 RBT’s for formaldehyde is 0.27 mL/kg.

ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION

• Formaldehyde typically degrades quickly in the atmosphere to produce formic acid & carbon monoxide, both of which can be hazardous compounds. Animals exposed to formaldehyde may become ill, lose the ability to reproduce, or live shorter lives.

DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Dispose of in accordance with local, state, & federal rules or laws.

TRANSPORT INFORMATION

• Name of shipment: Unrestricted. Risk category: N.A. UN identifier: N.A.

REGULATORY INFORMATION

• According to the United States OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, formalin is categorized as a hazardous substance (29 CFR 1910.1200).
• Under the US Clean Air Act, formalin is regulated as a harmful air pollutant (HAP) (CAA).
• Under the Toxic Substances Control Act of the US EPA, formalin is regulated as a possible carcinogen (TSCA).
• According to the Classification, Labelling & Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (CLP) Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Union, formalin is defined as a hazardous substance.
• According to the United States Resource Conservation & Recovery Act, formalin is considered hazardous waste (RCRA).

OTHER INFORMATION

This Formalin Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is intended as a compendium & is based on data & tests that are likely to be reliable. I don’t guarantee the data’s correctness or completeness & I’m not responsible for any resulting losses. The information is only being provided for your review, research, & verification. I DO NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR LOSS, DAMAGE, OR EXPENSE RESULTING FROM OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THE HANDLING, STORAGE, USE, OR DISPOSAL OF THIS PRODUCT FOR THE FOREGOING AND OTHER REASONS.

CONCLUSION

Read the above Formalin Safety Data Sheet, Formalin should only be handled with the utmost care because it is an extremely poisonous & combustible substance. Long-term exposure to low formalin concentrations can result in major health issues, including cancer. To prevent accidents & reduce potential health concerns, proper handling, storage, & usage of personal protective equipment are required. Only trained persons & in respect with the safety standards should handle & store formalin.