Using Formaldehyde at MIT

Formaldehyde is a Particularly Hazardous Substance, as defined by the OSHA Laboratory Standard. It has a strong odor detectable at 0.04 to 1 parts per million (ppm). The OSHA 8 hour Permissible Exposure Limit is 0.75 ppm. The 15 minute Short Term Exposure Limit is 2 ppm. Levels above 2 ppm can be very irritating to eyes, nose, and respiratory system. Formaldehyde is an animal carcinogen and suspect human carcinogen. It is also a sensitizer and can cause allergic skin reactions and asthma-like respiratory symptoms.

Formaldehyde can be used safely provided that good engineering controls and personal protective equipment are used. It should be used in a fume hood or other ventilated enclosure. Gloves with good resistance to formaldehyde should be worn, such as the disposable nitrile Best NDex glove. Latex gloves provide short term splash resistance only and should generally not be worn for formaldehyde work. All formaldehyde waste should be collected and disposed of as hazardous waste.

Air monitoring for formaldehyde and training may also be required for your laboratory depending upon the procedures and air levels generated. To comply with OSHA regulations, please fill out the form (https://ehs-0.mit.edu/forms/ihp/formaldehyde/) to describe the procedures in your lab that use formaldehyde. Briefly describe the procedure, the amount of formaldehyde used, how often it is done, and whether it is performed in a fume hood or with another type of exhaust ventilation. There is also a place on the form to ask any questions you may have about these procedures or any other activities in your lab.

The Industrial Hygiene Program will review this information and conduct air sampling for formaldehyde if there is any likelihood of significant exposure. Also any significant exposure may require training about the use of appropriate personnel protective equipment and the availability of medical surveillance through the MIT Medical Department. Please also feel free to call our program directly at 2-3477 with any questions regarding formaldehyde use in your laboratory.