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Formaldehyde Solutions
1-Basic Information on Formaldehyde Solutions
2-Health Effects of Formaldehyde Solutions
3-First Aid for Exposure to Formaldehyde Solutions
4-Working Safely with Formaldehyde Solutions
5-Personal Protective Equipment Information for Formaldehyde Solutions
6-International Hazard Classifications for Formaldehyde Solutions
7-Source of Information on Formaldehyde Solutions
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6-International Hazard Classifications for Formaldehyde Solutions

Does formaldehyde solutions meet any of the Canadian WHMIS hazard criteria?
Is it classified by OSHA (U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration)?
Does formaldehyde solutions meet the criteria for the European Union (EU) Classification and Labelling Information system?
What risk and safety phrases are used by the EU Classification and Labelling Information System?


Does formaldehyde solutions meet any of the Canadian WHMIS hazard criteria?

Formaldehyde solutions typically contain other potentially hazardous ingredients, e.g. methanol. Consult your Material Safety Data Sheet for complete ingredient information. The following WHMIS classification is for the formaldehyde component of these solutions only.

B3 - Flammable and combustible material - Combustible liquid

D1A - Poisonous and infectious material - Immediate and serious effects - Very toxic

D2A - Poisonous and infectious material - Other effects - Very toxic

D2B - Poisonous and infectious material - Other effects - Toxic

E - Corrosive material

Is it classified by OSHA (U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration)?

Yes, formaldehyde solutions meet the criteria for hazardous material, as defined by 29 CFR 1910.1200.

Does formaldehyde solutions meet the criteria for the European Union (EU) Classification and Labelling Information system?

Formaldehyde solutions have the following EU Classification:

Carcinogenic, Category 3. Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect. [Carc.Cat.3;R40]

Toxic. Toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin, and if swallowed. [T;R23/24/25]

Corrosive. Causes burns. [C;R34]

Sensitising. May cause sensitisation by skin contact. [R43]

The EU Classification varies with the concentration of formaldehyde in the product; see below for concentration limit cut-offs.

What risk and safety phrases are used by the EU Classification and Labelling Information System?

EU RISK PHRASES :

Toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed. Causes burns. Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect. May cause sensitisation by skin contact. [R:23/24/25-34-40-43]

EU SAFETY PHRASES :

Keep locked up and out of the reach of children.* In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately plenty of water and seek medical advice. Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/face protection. In case of accident or if you feel unwell, seek medical advice immediately (show label where possible). Use only in well ventilated areas. [S:(1/2-)*26-36/37-45-51]

*This safety phrase can be omitted from the label when the substance or preparation is sold for industrial use only.

EU COMMENTS :

NOTES RELATED TO SUBSTANCES: The product label must indicate the percentage concentration of the solution. The product label must indicate if the substance is in a non-stabilized form.

CONCENTRATIONS GREATER THAN OR EQUAL TO 25 PERCENT: Toxic; Toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin, and if swallowed. Causes burns. Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect. May cause sensitisation by skin contact. [T;R23/24/25-34-40-43]

CONCENTRATIONS GREATER THAN OR EQUAL TO 5 PERCENT AND LESS THAN 25 PERCENT: Harmful; Harmful by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed. Irritating to eyes, respiratory system and skin. Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect. May cause sensitisation by skin contact. [Xn;R20/21/22-36/37/38-40-43]

CONCENTRATIONS GREATER THAN OR EQUAL TO 1 PERCENT AND LESS THAN 5 PERCENT: Harmful; Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect. May cause sensitisation by skin contact. [Xn;R40-43]

CONCENTRATIONS GREATER THAN OR EQUAL TO 0.2 PERCENT AND LESS THAN 1 PERCENT: Irritant; May cause sensitisation by skin contact. [Xi;R:43]

Safety phrases relate to the highest concentration division indicated, but may also be applicable to lower concentrations.

Document last updated on July 7, 2006

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