How does formaldehyde affect the body

Formaldehyde also occurs naturally in the environment. Humans and most other living organisms make small amounts as part of normal metabolic processes. The main way people are exposed to formaldehyde is by inhaling it. The liquid form can be absorbed through the skin. People can also be exposed to small amounts by eating foods or drinking liquids containing formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is normally made in the body. Enzymes in the body break down formaldehyde into formate formic acid , which can be further broken down into carbon dioxide.

Most inhaled formaldehyde is broken down by the cells lining the mouth, nose, throat, and airways, so that less than a third is absorbed into the blood. Materials containing formaldehyde can release it as a gas or vapor into the air. Automobile exhaust is a major source of formaldehyde in outdoor air. During the s, urea-formaldehyde foam insulation UFFI was used in many homes. But few homes are now insulated with UFFI. Homes in which UFFI was installed many years ago are not likely to have high formaldehyde levels now.

Pressed-wood products containing formaldehyde resins are often a source of formaldehyde in homes. Using unvented fuel-burning appliances, such as gas stoves, wood-burning stoves, and kerosene heaters can also raise formaldehyde levels indoors. Formaldehyde is also a component of tobacco smoke and both people who smoke and those breathing secondhand smoke are exposed to higher levels of formaldehyde. One study found much higher levels of formaldehyde bound to DNA in the white blood cells of people who smoke compared to those who don't smoke.

Formaldehyde and Your Health. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Sources of formaldehyde in the environment include Certain manufactured wood products such as cabinets, furniture, plywood, particleboard, and laminate flooring Permanent press fabrics like those used for curtains and drapes or on furniture Household products such as glues, paints, caulks, pesticides, cosmetics, and detergents.

Smoke from cigarettes and other tobacco products, gas stoves, and open fireplaces. Laminate Flooring. Cigarette Smoke. Formaldehyde in your home. NTP can be contacted at:. Menu Contact Dictionary Search. Understanding Cancer. What Is Cancer? Cancer Statistics. Cancer Disparities. Cancer Causes and Prevention. Risk Factors. Cancer Prevention Overview. Cancer Screening Overview. Screening Tests. Diagnosis and Staging.

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Do you have an emergency? Close overlay Button to close overlay. Formaldehyde On this page Formaldehyde is a colourless, highly flammable, pungent smelling gas that enters the environment from man-made sources for example, manufacturing industries and natural sources including bush fires. Formaldehyde is even produced in very small, non-harmful amounts by our bodies. Formaldehyde in the environment Formaldehyde does not persist for long in the environment.

Uses of formaldehyde Food and water Formaldehyde occurs naturally in a variety of foods, including some fruits, fish, processed foods and alcoholic beverages.

Consumer products Formaldehyde and its derivatives are present in a wide range of consumer products where it is used as a preservative to protect from bacteria and mould spoilage. Types of products include: household cleaning agents dishwashing liquids fabric softeners shoe care products car shampoos and waxes carpet cleaning products disinfectants glues. Cosmetics Formaldehyde has been used in the cosmetic industry as a: preservative in products such as hair products, lotions, makeup and mouth washes hardener in nail treatments Formaldehyde can be an ingredient in: hand cream bath products mascara and eye makeup mouth wash cuticle softeners nail creams vaginal deodorants shaving cream.

Indoors Formaldehyde released from building materials has long been recognised as a significant cause of elevated formaldehyde levels that are frequently measured indoors.

Formaldehyde is also produced when using open fireplaces and un-flued gas or kerosene heaters. Outdoor air The largest man-made source of formaldehyde in the environment is the combustion of fuel and therefore it is found in the air we breathe every day that is polluted by motor vehicle exhausts.

Health effects Formaldehyde is water soluble and rapidly metabolised in the body when you breathe, drink or eat it. Symptoms of formaldehyde exposure High level exposure The major toxic effects caused by acute formaldehyde exposure by inhalation are eye, nose and throat irritation and effects on the nasal cavity.