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FORMALDEHYDE
(cylinder) 		ICSC: 0275
Peer-Review Status: 08.06.2012 Validated
Methanal
Methyl aldehyde
Methylene oxide 
CAS #: 50-00-0 RTECS #: LP8925000
EC #: 605-001-005
EINECS #: 200-001-8
 		    Formula: H2CO
Molecular mass: 30.0

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. Risk of explosion on contact with strong oxidants, strong acids or strong bases.  Closed system, ventilation, explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. NO contact with incompatible materials: See Chemical Dangers  In case of fire: keep cylinder cool by spraying with water. 
 
EXPOSURE   AVOID ALL CONTACT!   
Inhalation Cough. Sore throat. Burning sensation behind the breastbone. Headache. Shortness of breath.  Use ventilation, local exhaust or breathing protection.  Fresh air, rest. Half-upright position. Artificial respiration may be needed. Refer immediately for medical attention. 
Skin ON CONTACT WITH LIQUID: FROSTBITE.  Protective gloves.  Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse skin with plenty of water or shower. ON FROSTBITE: rinse with plenty of water, do NOT remove clothes. Refer for medical attention . 
Eyes Watering of the eyes. Redness. Pain. Blurred vision.  Wear safety goggles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.  Rinse with plenty of water (remove contact lenses if easily possible). Refer immediately for medical attention. 
Ingestion   Do not eat, drink, or smoke during work.   

SPILLAGE DISPOSAL
 		PACKAGING & LABELLING
Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: gas-tight chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Remove all ignition sources. Remove gas with fine water spray.   
EC Classification
Symbol: T; R: 23/24/25-34-40-43; S: (1/2)-26-36/37/39-45-51 
UN Classification
 
GHS Classification
Signal: Danger
Extremely flammable gas
Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated
Fatal if inhaled
Causes serious eye irritation
May cause cancer if inhaled
May cause an allergic skin reaction
May cause respiratory irritation 
flam;flamecylinder;gasskull;toxiccancer;health haz

EMERGENCY RESPONSE SAFE STORAGE
  Fireproof. Cool. Separated from food and feedstuffs and incompatible materials. See Chemical Dangers. 

IMPORTANT DATA
Physical State; Appearance
COLOURLESS GAS WITH PUNGENT ODOUR. 

Physical dangers
The gas mixes well with air, explosive mixtures are easily formed. 

Chemical dangers
The substance polymerizes in contact with alkalies and if dissolved in water. Upon heating, toxic fumes are formed. Reacts violently with strong oxidants, strong acids and strong bases. This generates explosion hazard. 

Occupational exposure limits
TLV: 0.3ppm (ceiling value); (SEN); A2 (suspected human carcinogen); (ACGIH 2011).
MAK: 0.3 ppm, 0.37 mg/m³; Carcinogen category: 4; Peak limitation category: I(2); Pregnancy risk group: C; Germ cell mutagen group: 5; Sensitization of skin (SH); (DFG 2011).
EU OEL:.
EU OEL ( selected): SCOEL recommendation available. 

Routes of exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation. 

Inhalation risk
A harmful concentration of this gas in the air will be reached very quickly on loss of containment. 

Effects of short-term exposure
The substance is severely irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract. Inhalation of high concentrations may cause lung oedema, but only after initial corrosive effects on the eyes and the upper respiratory tract have become manifest. 

Effects of long-term or repeated exposure
Repeated or chronic inhalation of the vapour may cause chronic inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. This substance is carcinogenic to humans. 


PHYSICAL PROPERTIES ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
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
Auto-ignition temperature: 430°C
Explosive limits, vol% in air: 7-73
Octanol/water partition coefficient as log Pow: 0,35   		 

NOTES
Immediate administration of an appropriate inhalation therapy by a doctor or a person authorized by him/her, should be considered.
EU SCOEL recommendation: 0.2 ppm (8h); 0.4 ppm STEL; Skin sensitation, 2008. (Genotoxic carcinogen for which a practical treshold is supported.)
See also ICSC 0695 (Formaldehyde (37% solution, methanol free). 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 

IPCS
International
Programme on
Chemical Safety 		WHO ILO EC Prepared in the context of cooperation between the International Programme on Chemical Safety and the European Commission
© IPCS 2004-2012
LEGAL NOTICE Neither the EC nor the IPCS nor any person acting on behalf of the EC or the IPCS is responsible for the use which might be made of this information. 
    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)