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Formaldehyde

Also known as: formaldehyde · formalin · methanal · 50-00-0

CAS No.: 50-00-0
Formula: CH2O
Molar mass: 30.026 g/mol
PubChem CID: 712

GHS pictograms

Flammable

Compressed gas

Corrosive

Toxic

Harmful / Irritant

Health hazard

2D structure of Formaldehyde — 2D structure · PubChem CID 712

Summary

Formaldehyde (CH2O), CAS 50-00-0. Common in labs and industry. Read on for hazards, storage, PPE and mixing rules.

Background

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Hazards

Flammable (GHS02)

Ignites easily when exposed to a flame or spark.

Compressed gas (GHS04)

Contents under pressure, may explode if heated.

Corrosive (GHS05)

Attacks skin, eyes and materials.

Toxic (GHS06)

May be fatal even in small doses.

Harmful / Irritant (GHS07)

May cause skin, eye or respiratory irritation.

Health hazard (GHS08)

Serious long-term health effects (CMR, respiratory sensitizer).

Hazard statements

H302: Harmful if swallowed [Warning Acute toxicity, oral]
H314: Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]
H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]
H330: Fatal if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, inhalation]
H341: Suspected of causing genetic defects [Warning Germ cell mutagenicity]
H350: May cause cancer [Danger Carcinogenicity]
H301
H311
H318
H331
H351
H401: Toxic to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]
H412: Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]
H220: Extremely flammable gas [Danger Flammable gases]
H280: Contains gas under pressure

Storage

Temperature

Keep at room temperature, below 30 °C, out of direct heat.

Ventilation

Store somewhere well-ventilated and away from any ignition source.

Containers

Metal drums or tinted glass, tightly sealed.

Keep away from

Strong acids, strong bases and powerful oxidizers.

Personal protective equipment

Gloves

Nitrile or butyl, at least 0.4 mm thick.

Eye protection

Safety goggles with side shields.

Respirator

A2 organic-vapor cartridge if the room isn't well ventilated.

Occupational exposure limits (HSE)

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EU harmonised classification (ECHA C&L)

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Transport

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FDA recalls & enforcement

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Compatibilities

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Practical safety notes

Flammable. Keep away from open flames, hot surfaces and sparks. Ground containers when transferring.
Compressed gas. Secure cylinders upright, protect valves, store in ventilated areas.
Corrosive. Wear chemical goggles, faceshield and chemical-resistant gloves. Have an eyewash within reach.
Acute toxicity. Work under a fume hood, restrict access, keep a specific antidote plan available.
Irritant / harmful. Ventilate the workspace and avoid skin contact.
Serious health hazard (carcinogen, mutagen, reprotoxic, respiratory sensitizer). Substitute if possible; otherwise closed systems and medical surveillance.

Derived from the GHS classification shown above. These notes are generic guidance and do not replace the manufacturer's SDS or your local risk assessment.

FAQ

Is Formaldehyde flammable?+

Yes. Formaldehyde (CAS 50-00-0) carries the GHS02 flame pictogram. Keep it away from ignition sources, use non-sparking tools, and ground metal containers when transferring liquid.

What PPE should I wear when handling Formaldehyde?+

Chemical-splash goggles and a faceshield, chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or butyl) and an apron are the minimum. Work inside a fume hood or use a suitable respirator. Check SDS section 8 for material-specific breakthrough times.

How should Formaldehyde be stored?+

Store Formaldehyde (CAS 50-00-0) in tightly closed original containers, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible materials. Use a flammable-liquid cabinet and keep away from oxidizers and heat. Segregate acids from bases and keep away from metals that can be attacked.

Is Formaldehyde dangerous for the environment?+

No specific environmental pictogram (GHS09) is listed in our records for Formaldehyde, but any chemical waste should be handled through your site's hazardous-waste procedure, not poured down the drain.

Where can I find the official Safety Data Sheet for Formaldehyde?+

Official, up-to-date SDS documents are published by each manufacturer (Sigma-Aldrich, Merck, Thermo Fisher, VWR, Carl Roth, etc.) and by regulators such as ECHA and NIOSH. This page is an educational summary and does not replace the manufacturer's SDS.

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