Agent Name |
Paraformaldehyde |
CAS Number |
30525-89-4 |
Formula |
(C-H2-O)x |
Major Category |
Other Chemicals |
Synonyms |
Aldacide; Flo-Mor; Formagene; Formaldehyde polymer; Oilstop; Halowax; Paraformaldehydum; Paraformic aldehyde; Polyformaldehyde; Polymerised formaldehyde; Polyoxymethylene glycol; [HSDB] Paraform; Polyoxymethylene; [ChemFinder] |
Category |
Aldehydes |
Description |
White solid with a pungent odor; [ICSC] |
Sources/Uses |
Used as a fungicide, disinfectant, hardening agent, and waterproofing agent; used in medicine and dentistry as an antiseptic, fixative. and contraceptive; [HSDB] |
Comments |
A polymer composed of 8 to 100 formaldehyde monomers; Toxic by ingestion; [Hawley] A suspected carcinogen and a severe eye and skin irritant; [HSDB] "Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization." [ICSC] If left on clothing, can cause reddening of skin; [CHRIS] See "Formaldehyde." |
Exposure Assessment |
Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
Not evaluated |
Vapor Pressure |
1.5 mm Hg |
Explanatory Notes |
Vapor pressure at 25 degrees C: <0.2 kPa (1.5 mm Hg) [ICSC] |
Reference Link |
International Chemical Safety Cards (WHO/IPCS/ILO) |
Flammability (NFPA) |
2: high ambient temperature required |
Adverse Effects |
Dermatotoxin |
Skin Burns |
Skin Sensitizer |
Yes |
Links to Other NLM Databases |
Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: PARAFORMALDEHYDE
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