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Key Facts About Formaldehyde:

1. Natural Occurrence:

   • It occurs naturally in the environment and is produced in small amounts by most living organisms, including humans, as part of normal metabolic processes.
   • It is also present in low levels in the air, especially in urban areas.

2. Uses:

   • Industrial Applications: Commonly used in the production of resins for composite wood products (e.g., particleboard, MDF, plywood), plastics, and adhesives.
   • Preservation: Used in medical laboratories, mortuaries, and as a preservative in some consumer products.
   • Disinfectant: Employed as a disinfectant and sterilizing agent.

3. Sources of Exposure:

   • Indoor Air: Found in building materials, furniture, pressed-wood products, and household products such as cleaning agents and cosmetics.
   • Combustion: Released from cigarette smoke, fireplaces, and gas stoves.

4. Health Impacts:

   • Short-Term Exposure: Can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin.
   • Long-Term Exposure: Prolonged or high-level exposure is associated with more severe health risks, including respiratory issues and an increased risk of cancer. Formaldehyde is classified as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

5. Regulation:

   • Strict limits on formaldehyde emissions from building materials and consumer products exist in many countries to protect public health.
   • For example, the CARB Phase 2 Compliance (click download link) and EPA TSCA Title VI set limits on formaldehyde emissions in composite wood products.