Formaldehyde

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-011578",
  "term": "Formaldehyde",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. A colorless, pungent, and irritating gas, CH20, used chiefly as a disinfectant and preservative and in synthesizing other compounds like resins.\n\n2. A colorless water-soluble gas. Due to its wide use, it is frequently considered separately from other VOCs. Materials containing formaldehyde include building materials, furnishing, and some consumer products. Formaldehyde has a pungent odor and is detected by many people at levels of about 100 parts per billion (ppb). Besides the annoyance, it also causes acute eye burning and irritates mucous membranes and the respiratory tract. EPA has determined formaldehyde to be a probable human carcinogen. See also www.epa.gov/iaq/formaldehyde.html\n\n3. A colorless, pungent-smelling gas; an important hazardous air pollutant. High concentrations may trigger attacks in people with asthma. Sources include environmental tobacco smoke and other combustion sources; pressed wood products (such as particle board); and certain textiles, foams, and glues.\n\n4. A chemical used as a preservative and in bonding agents. It is found in household products such as plywood, furniture, carpets, and some types of foam insulation. It is also a by-product of combustion and is a strong-smelling, colorless gas that is an eye irritant and can cause sneezing, coughing, and other health problems.",
  "abbreviation": "HCHO",
  "subject": "General environmental",
  "references": [
    "Terms of Environment",
    "Indoor Air Quality Glossary",
    "America's Children and the Envrionment Terms; America's Children and the Environment Terms",
    "DOE Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Glossary of Energy-Related Terms"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/formaldehyde/"
}