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FORMALDEHYDE ICSC: 0275
Date of Peer Review: October 2004

Methanal
Methyl aldehyde
Methylene oxide
(cylinder)
CAS # 50-00-0 H2CO
RTECS # LP8925000 Molecular mass: 30.0
UN #
EC #
TYPES OF HAZARD / EXPOSURE ACUTE HAZARDS / SYMPTOMS PREVENTION FIRST AID / FIRE FIGHTING
FIRE Extremely flammable.
NO open flames, NO sparks, and NO smoking.
Shut off supply; if not possible and no risk to surroundings, let the fire burn itself out; in other cases extinguish with powder, carbon dioxide.
EXPLOSION Gas/air mixtures are explosive.
Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting.
In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water.
EXPOSURE
AVOID ALL CONTACT!
IN ALL CASES CONSULT A DOCTOR!
Inhalation Burning sensation. Cough. Headache. Nausea. Shortness of breath.
Ventilation, local exhaust, or breathing protection.
Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer for medical attention.
Skin
Cold-insulating gloves.
Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. Refer for medical attention.
Eyes Causes watering of the eyes. Redness. Pain. Blurred vision.
Safety goggles, or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.
First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then take to a doctor.
Ingestion
Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL PACKAGING & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Ventilation. Remove all ignition sources. Remove gas with fine water spray. Do NOT wash away into sewer. Personal protection: complete protective clothing including self-contained breathing apparatus.
EU Classification
UN Classification

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE

Fireproof. Cool.
IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety
Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the Commission of the European Communities © IPCS, CEC 2004

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BACK
FORMALDEHYDE ICSC: 0275
IMPORTANT DATA
PHYSICAL STATE; APPEARANCE:
GAS, WITH CHARACTERISTIC ODOUR.

PHYSICAL DANGERS:
The gas mixes well with air, explosive mixtures are formed easily.

CHEMICAL DANGERS:
The substance polymerizes due to warming. Reacts with oxidants.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE LIMITS:
TLV: 0.3 ppm (Ceiling value); A2; SEN; (ACGIH 2004).
MAK: 0.3 ppm, 0.37 mg/m³; Sh; Peak limitation category: I(2); Carcinogen category: 4; Germ cell mutagen group: 5; Pregnancy risk group: C; (DFG 2004).
ROUTES OF EXPOSURE:
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

INHALATION RISK:
On loss of containment, a harmful concentration of this gas in the air will be reached very quickly.

EFFECTS OF SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE:
The substance is severely irritating to the eyes and is irritating to the respiratory tract. Inhalation of may cause lung oedema (see Notes).

EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM OR REPEATED EXPOSURE:
This substance is carcinogenic to humans.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Boiling point: -20°C
Melting point: -92°C
Relative density (water = 1): 0.8
Solubility in water: very good
Relative vapour density (air = 1): 1.08
Flash point: Flammable Gas
Auto-ignition temperature: 430°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 7-73
ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

NOTES
The symptoms of lung oedema often do not become manifest until a few hours have passed and they are aggravated by physical effort. Rest and medical observation is therefore essential. Immediate administration of an appropriate inhalation therapy by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered. The occupational exposure limit value should not be exceeded during any part of the working exposure.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


LEGAL NOTICE Neither the CEC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the CEC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information
© IPCS, CEC 2004


    See Also:
       Toxicological Abbreviations
       Formaldehyde (EHC 89, 1989)
       Formaldehyde (HSG 57, 1991)
       Formaldehyde  (SIDS)
       Formaldehyde (CICADS 40, 2002)
       Formaldehyde (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 62, 1995)
       Formaldehyde (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 88, 2006)