Product Name: Paraformaldehyde
Chemical Formula: (CH2O)n
CAS Number: 30525-89-4
Synonyms: PFA, Polyoxymethylene glycol, Paraform
Recommended Uses: Disinfectant, fixative, chemical intermediate
Manufacturer / Supplier: Specific company information, phone number, emergency contact
Address: Street, city, state, zip code, country
Emergency Phone Number: Listed for immediate assistance
Classification: Acute toxicity (oral, inhalation, dermal), Skin corrosion/irritation, Serious eye damage, Respiratory sensitizer, Carcinogen (IARC: Group 1 - Carcinogenic to humans)
Label Elements: Danger symbol, GHS pictograms for health hazard, exclamation mark, skull and crossbones
Hazard Statements: Toxic if swallowed or inhaled, causes severe skin burns and eye damage, may cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled, may cause cancer by inhalation
Precautionary Statements: Do not breathe dust, wash thoroughly after handling, wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection, in case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection
Potential Health Effects: Respiratory tract irritation, skin sensitizer, eye irritant, long-term exposure linked to respiratory disorders and certain cancers
Chemical Name: Paraformaldehyde
Common Name and Synonyms: Paraform, PFA, Polyformaldehyde
CAS Number: 30525-89-4
Impurities/Additives: Contains low levels of monomeric formaldehyde (CAS 50-00-0)
Concentration: Typically 90-99% paraformaldehyde
Inhalation: Move to fresh air, seek immediate medical attention, administer oxygen if breathing is difficult
Skin Contact: Rinse area with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, remove contaminated clothing, call a physician
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contact lenses if present, continue rinsing and get medical help
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting, rinse mouth thoroughly, give water if conscious, seek medical attention immediately
Most Important Symptoms/Effects: Burning sensation, coughing, shortness of breath, severe eye and skin burns, allergic reactions
Immediate Medical Attention: Required for inhalation, eye contact, or large skin exposure
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: Direct water jet on burning material can spread fire
Specific Hazards: Releases toxic fumes of formaldehyde and carbon monoxide on combustion, paraformaldehyde dust can form explosive mixtures with air
Fire-Fighting Instructions: Evacuate area, keep containers cool with water, wear self-contained breathing apparatus, full protective gear
Special Protective Equipment: SCBA, impervious clothing, gloves, eye/face protection
Personal Precautions: Use personal protection recommended in Exposure Controls, prevent dust formation, avoid breathing dust
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage, do not let product enter drains, avoid release into the environment
Methods for Containment and Cleanup: Sweep up without producing dust, place in suitable, closed containers for disposal, ventilate area, decontaminate with dilute ammonia or sodium bisulfite for residual traces
Other Information: Isolate area, keep unauthorized personnel away, clean thoroughly with water after removal
Precautions for Safe Handling: Wear proper personal protection, avoid inhalation of dust, handle in well-ventilated areas or use local exhaust, wash hands after handling
Conditions for Safe Storage: Store in tightly closed containers, keep in cool, dry, well-ventilated space, segregated from oxidizing agents and acids, avoid moisture exposure
Incompatible Materials: Acids, bases, oxidizers, strong alkalis, reducing agents, anhydrides, acid chlorides
Storage Conditions: Temperature below 30°C preferred, away from direct sunlight, keep locked up or securely stored
Control Parameters: ACGIH TLV for formaldehyde: 0.3 ppm Ceiling, OSHA PEL: 0.75 ppm TWA
Engineering Controls: Local exhaust ventilation, process enclosure, eye wash stations, safety showers
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or rubber), protective clothing (lab coat, apron), safety goggles or face shield, appropriate respiratory protection for dust exposure or insufficient ventilation
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands, face, and exposed skin after handling, do not eat, drink, or smoke in work area
Environmental Controls: Prevent release to environment, follow regulations for emissions and disposal
Appearance: White, crystalline, powder or small flakes
Odor: Faint pungent, formaldehyde-like smell
Odor Threshold: Recognizable at low concentrations
pH: 4.0-5.5 (suspension in water)
Melting Point/Freezing Point: Approximately 120°C (decomposes)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Flash Point: Around 70°C (closed cup)
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable (solid form)
Flammability: Combustible, dust can form explosive mixtures with air
Explosion Limits: Lower: Not available, Upper: Not available
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at room temperature
Vapor Density: Not applicable (solid)
Relative Density: 1.42 g/cm³
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (forms formaldehyde solution), soluble in hot water
Partition Coefficient: Not applicable
Auto-ignition Temperature: Approx. 300°C
Decomposition Temperature: Starts to decompose above 110°C
Viscosity: Not applicable
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions, slowly depolymerizes to formaldehyde gas on standing or heating
Condition to Avoid: Moisture, heat, open flame, sparks, static discharge
Incompatible Materials: Strong acids, bases, oxidizing or reducing agents, acid chlorides, anhydrides
Possibility of Hazardous Reactions: Contact with acids releases toxic formaldehyde gas, violent reaction with strong oxidizers, forms explosive peroxides with air exposure
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Acute Toxicity: Oral (LD50, rat): 592 mg/kg; inhalation of dust may cause severe irritation, respiratory distress
Chronic Exposure: Linked to respiratory problems, chronic bronchitis, nasal cancers, allergic reactions
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Symptoms: Cough, burning sensation, chest tightness, dizziness, nausea, dermatitis, hypersensitivity
Carcinogenicity: Classified by IARC as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1), NTP identified as known human carcinogen, OSHA regulated
Mutagenicity and Reproductive Toxicity: Genotoxic effects documented, not conclusive for reproductive toxicity
Other Data: Sensitization on repeated or prolonged exposure, Asthma/aggravation of pre-existing conditions
Ecotoxicity: Toxic to aquatic life, concentrated spills lead to oxygen depletion in water system
Aquatic Toxicity: LC50 (fish, 96 h): 6.7 mg/L (formaldehyde), EC50 (daphnia): 5.8 mg/L
Persistence and Degradability: Degrades in the environment, persistence depends on conditions
Bioaccumulative Potential: No potential for bioaccumulation, rapidly broken down
Mobility in Soil: High mobility, can contaminate groundwater if spills are large
Other Adverse Effects: Contributes to oxygen depletion in water, hazardous to flora and fauna at high levels
Waste Disposal Methods: Incinerate in approved facility, disposal must comply with local, state, federal regulations, do not discharge to natural waters or sewer system
Contaminated Packaging: Empty containers should be triple rinsed, punctured, and disposed of as hazardous waste
Special Precautions: Keep waste separate from incompatible materials, label and handle as toxic chemical waste
Regulatory Codes: RCRA hazardous waste: U122 (formaldehyde)
UN Number: UN2213
UN Proper Shipping Name: Paraformaldehyde
Transport Class: 4.1 (Flammable solid), Packing group: III
Hazard Labels: Flammable solid, toxic
Marine Pollutant: No
Special Precautions for User: Keep containers upright, away from sources of ignition and oxidants, follow emergency response guide for spills or leaks
DOT (US): Regulated as hazardous material
IMDG, IATA: Classified as dangerous goods with appropriate handling instructions
Regulatory Status: Listed under TSCA, regulated under OSHA as a hazardous chemical, subject to SARA Title III reporting
Carcinogen Listings: IARC Group 1, NTP Known Carcinogen, California Proposition 65
OSHA Standards: Regulated carcinogen under 29 CFR 1910.1048 (formaldehyde standard)
Workplace Labeling: GHS-compliant labels, clear hazard communication, safety training required
International Requirements: EU REACH Registration, included in Annex VI of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008
Other Regulations: CERCLA reportable quantity (RQ): 100 pounds for formaldehyde, WHMIS (Canada): D1A, D2A, D2B
Local/State Regulations: Might have stricter controls, consult applicable authorities
