Many chemical substances are especially toxic to humans. The influence of formaldehyde on the human body can become dangerous and cause intense intoxication of internal organs.

What is formaldehyde

Formaldehyde - chemical compound, which has a pungent odor, can dissolve in liquid and ignite. Formalin is 40% water solution formaldehyde.

The chemical characteristics of the poison pose a threat to human health and life. If you drink formaldehyde in an amount of 35 to 90 mg, you can die.

The substance is obtained industrially by the oxidation of methanol. Formalin belongs to the first class of danger, as it can affect the cellular level. The poison can penetrate into the internal organs as a result of chemical interactions that have occurred, and also be formed in living organisms from other substances. Methanol is found in many household chemicals.

A person is regularly exposed to negative vapors, but a single inhalation of formalin, as a rule, does not provoke serious consequences.

The smell of formaldehyde is extremely pungent and unpleasant. However, it is practically impossible to detect poison on your own: this requires special instruments and reagents.

The smell of formalin can be characterized as specific. At the moment, pharmacy chains sell the antiseptic "Formidron", which includes formaldehyde. Use the product carefully, avoiding inhalation of vapors.

The permissible dose of the content of the substance is up to 0.2% in cosmetics and up to 0.1% in mouth rinses. In medicines, its content should not exceed 0.5%. Products containing 5% of this compound can also be used, but are contraindicated for application to the facial area.

The maximum allowable concentration in cosmetics, in particular shampoos and bathing foams, is 0.1%, while only 1 person in 75,000 has a negative skin reaction.

As follows from the description, formalin is one of the dangerous poisons that can disrupt the functioning of internal organs and provoke the death of a person.

Scope of application

The substance is used mainly in medicine and industry. This compound is included in the composition of nail polishes, hair care products. A small dose of it is included in some cosmetic preparations as a disinfectant and preservatives, is included in creams, deodorants, shampoos, mouth rinses.

Sources of poisoning with chemical compounds are divided into several hazard classes, due to their properties. Formaldehyde belongs to strong toxins, has the ability to explode, has a negative effect on a person during internal penetration.

There are many sources of intoxication. These include:

• gas stoves;
• vehicle exhaust gases;
• glue;
• medicines;
• household chemicals;
• cosmetics;
• carpets;
• smoke of tobacco and electronic cigarettes;
• fertilizers and others.

The maximum concentration is observed at high humidity and high temperatures.

The properties of formalin are used as a disinfectant for medical equipment and devices, for sterilizing items, treating diaper rash and skin lesions, and reducing sweating.

The use of formalin is exclusively external: inhaling and drinking the solution is extremely life-threatening. It is used for local disinfection, as a deodorant and astringent. In addition, the diluted solution is used for douching.

Most often, the substance is found in the chemical industry, in the production of paints, paper products, resins, textiles and plastics. The compound has also found its use in the woodworking industry, in the manufacture of floor coverings, in the processing of animal skins, as an antiseptic and antimicrobial agent, and also in the manufacture of yeast.

Human impact

Connection effect on human body extremely unfavorable: it can cause severe poisoning and is equivalent to arsenic intoxication. Under the influence of vapors, the brain, respiratory system, and mucous surfaces suffer. The harm of formaldehyde to humans lies in severe intoxication of internal organs. Among the most severe consequences can be noted:

• swelling of the pulmonary system and larynx, causing difficulty in breathing, respiratory failure, which is often the cause of death;
• kidney inflammation;
• violation of menstruation and endocrine disorders, leading to the impossibility of conception in women;
• difficulty urinating, leading to falling into a coma;
• death of the mucous membranes of the stomach and esophagus;
• internal hemorrhage.

Is formaldehyde harmful to humans? This question can definitely be answered in the affirmative.

With regular inhalation of vapors, a person may become more sensitive to poison, which ultimately leads to more serious complications.

In addition, the poison negatively affects the internal organs: the liver, kidneys, respiratory and visual systems, and is also a powerful allergen. Formalin has a carcinogenic effect on the fetus, leading to cell mutation, destroys nerve tissue and visual channels. Having penetrated into the bloodstream, it reacts with blood proteins and is synthesized into formic acid, which is difficult to excrete from the internal organs.

What is the effect of formalin on children? Babies are the most sensitive to the world around them, which is why a carcinogen can have a significant impact on their body. With continuous interaction with dangerous objects, even its small concentration can provoke serious complications. The substance may be found in children's toys, teethers, nipples, stickers, plastic baby dolls.

Consequences of poisoning

A carcinogen can enter the human body in the following ways:

• by inhalation;
• orally;
• through direct interaction with the skin.

It should be noted that the distribution throughout the body of this compound is uneven. Most intensively it settles in the following internal organs:

• pancreas;
• mucous surfaces of the intestinal system;
• lymph;
• salivary glands;
• bone marrow.

If accidentally or deliberately ingested, people may develop:

• severe renal failure;
• pathology of the liver, characterized by the destruction of its cells;
• bleeding of the mucous surfaces of the stomach;
• necrosis of the esophagus.

Formaldehyde can be irritating to the respiratory organs and lead to these pathologies:

• bronchitis;
• lung obstruction;
• exacerbation of bronchial asthma.

When interacting with the skin, the compound can provoke:

• dermatitis, which often becomes chronic;
• hives, rash;
• destruction of nails;
• redness and burning;
• weeping eczema.

The substance is capable of destroying immune system, provoke a change in the composition of the blood, reduce the levels of lymphocytes and immunoglobulin A, therefore, everyone who wants to protect themselves from the effects of poison should know what formalin is dangerous for.

Symptoms of intoxication

Formaldehyde poisoning may have some features, mainly from the side of the brain and respiratory organs. These include:

• asthma attack;
• coughing;
• breathing difficulties;
• itching and burning of the mucous surfaces of the esophagus and larynx;
• diarrhea and vomiting with blood streaks;
• intense thirst;
• skin blanching;
• mood swings;
• prostration;
• sleep disturbance;
• convulsive syndrome;
• coordination disorder;
• headache;
• weight loss.

In people who often come into contact with poison, signs can manifest themselves in the form of allergic reactions, urticaria, brittle nails. In the female, menstruation failures are observed, in men - a decrease in sexual desire.

High concentrations can lead to toxic shock, coma, and even death.

Who is at risk

The following categories of the population are most susceptible to the effects of a carcinogen:

• people employed in the chemical industry;
• living near chemical plants;
• workers of workshops for the manufacture of furniture, paper, sewing accessories, food additives;
• medical laboratory assistants;
• mortuary workers;
• people whose activities are related to the embalming of corpses and funeral services.

In addition, a connection has been established between formaldehyde and cancerous tumors: it is considered a strong carcinogen.

Formalin studies have found that embalming and furniture workers are more prone to skin cancer, tumors of the respiratory system, and neoplasms in the stomach, lungs, prostate, and intestines.

People who have been engaged in potentially hazardous production for more than 10 years are at an increased risk for the occurrence of the following malignant diseases:

• Hodgkin's lymphoma;
• myeloma;
• myeloid leukemia.

Determined that the substance acts directly on the cells, which provokes the mutation of genes.

First aid and treatment

In case of poisoning with food containing formaldehyde, the victim must be taken to the hospital by calling medical workers. If necessary, if the patient needs immediate help, emergency measures will help:

• remove the remaining poison from the stomach by lavage or induction of artificial vomiting;
• the patient needs to take activated charcoal with the calculation of 1 tablet per 10 kg of weight, after dissolving it in water. Within 2 hours, the stomach should be emptied;
• in case of intoxication, it is necessary to provide a person with an influx of fresh air by opening windows and doors wide open or taking the victim outside;
• will help neutralize the effect of inhalation poison with water and ammonia, which can remove an excess of the compound;
• when a carcinogen penetrates the skin and mucous membranes, they should be washed with plenty of water and rubbed with ammonia;
• when it enters the organs of vision, the eyes are instilled with drops of the following composition: 8 drops of adrenaline and 2 drops of novocaine, which are able to neutralize the poison;
• when swallowing the solution, chloride or ammonium carbonate will help, which prevent the compound from being absorbed into the circulatory system;
• if the patient has lost consciousness, he is laid on his left side to avoid the penetration of vomit into the respiratory system and suffocation.

Methods for the treatment of formalin intoxication depend on the characteristics of the clinical picture, the mechanism of the poison entering the internal organs, as well as the symptoms that have manifested.

In some cases, drugs are used that stabilize the work of the heart and blood vessels, sedatives, respiratory analeptics.

In a hospital setting, the victim can undergo a hemodialysis procedure, in which blood is passed through membranes, which is an effective measure to eliminate toxins.

An isotonic solution or glucose is injected into the patient's veins together with a diuretic. In addition, specialists need to control the work of the central nervous system and hearts. Vitamin complexes and hepatoprotectors are used to prevent liver disorders.

Prevention

A person engaged in hazardous production should limit the time of interaction with toxic compounds, systematically undergo medical examinations, and include lactic acid products and milk in the diet.

Prolonged exposure to low concentrations of poison personal protective equipment is used: respirators, masks, special protective clothing, gloves.

In order to prevent liver damage, it is necessary to periodically take hepatoprotectors, for example, Karsil, Gepabene, visit medical sanatoriums and resorts.

People who are not directly related to harmful production are also subject to the influence of poisons, experience a deterioration in well-being, often without realizing it.

In order to prevent, as well as to remove the carcinogen from your home, you should resort to the following methods:

• after buying new furniture, regularly ventilate the room;
• during cleaning, use rubber or latex gloves to reduce contact with detergents;
• maintain optimal humidity and temperature in the home.

Besides, plants will help to reduce and neutralize the impact of dangerous vapors: ficus, chamedorea, ivy, fern.

The poison is especially dangerous for young children and the elderly. However, it is impossible to completely limit yourself and loved ones from its effects, since the compound in small quantities can be found almost everywhere. You can reduce its negative impact by carefully studying the composition of the purchased goods and products. Many manufacturers in the manufacture of household items and food use formalin to extend the shelf life and give the purchase a marketable appearance.

Formaldehyde is a strong-smelling flammable gas with toxic and carcinogenic properties. We tell you where it is found, in what quantities it becomes dangerous, and what to do to reduce its effect on the body.

What is formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a colorless substance that is used in the manufacture of building materials and many household products. It can be found in pressed wood (chipboard, plywood, fibreboard), adhesives, textiles, insulating materials, plastics. In addition, formaldehyde is commonly used as an industrial fungicide, bactericide and disinfectant, preservative in mortuaries and medical laboratories (formalin). In small quantities, naturally occurring formaldehyde is produced by most living organisms (it is part of normal metabolic processes).

How are we exposed to formaldehyde?

Normally, formaldehyde is present in the environment at a low concentration: less than 0.03 parts of formaldehyde per million parts of air. On the street, we breathe it in along with smog and car exhaust.

Indoor sources of formaldehyde can be building insulation (urea-formaldehyde foam); household materials used in the production of furniture and home decoration (chipboard, plywood, MDF, OSB, laminate); cigarette smoke and vapor from electronic cigarettes; combustion products emitted by gas stoves, wood stoves and kerosene heaters.

Industrial workers involved in the manufacture of formaldehyde and formaldehyde-containing products, as well as laboratory assistants, mortuary workers, and some other healthcare professionals, may be exposed to more high levels formaldehyde.

As a preservative, formaldehyde can be included in cosmetics (up to 0.2%) and hygiene products for the oral cavity (up to 0.1%). In pharmacology, it is added to drugs to reduce sweating. If the ointment contains 5% formaldehyde, it is not recommended to apply it to the skin of the face.

The antimicrobial activity of formaldehyde makes it a popular agent for inhibiting the growth of gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria, yeasts and molds.

How does short-term exposure to formaldehyde affect health?

As a rule, indoors contains more formaldehyde than outdoors. If formaldehyde is present in the air at a concentration exceeding 0.5 mg / m3, some people may experience side effects: increased tearing, pain and burning in the eyes, dryness of the nasal mucosa and sore throat, cough, nausea, skin irritation.

Chronic formaldehyde poisoning can cause headaches, lethargy, drowsiness, sweating disorders, and sleep disorders. Most often, these symptoms disappear when the source of irritation is removed, but a critically high amount of formaldehyde in the air (37.5 mg / m3) can be life-threatening, causing pulmonary edema. Death occurs if the concentration of formaldehyde reaches 125 mg/m3.

Formaldehyde can cause local irritation if it comes into contact with the skin, but it quickly passes. In most countries, this substance is added to cosmetics that do not remain on the skin (shampoos, conditioners, styling gels, soaps, lotions, deodorants, nail polishes). You should not panic: observations have shown that in the amount of 0.1% in formaldehyde can cause an allergic reaction in only 1 person out of 75 thousand.

Does formaldehyde cause cancer?

The effect of long-term exposure to formaldehyde on the body has not yet been thoroughly studied. In 1980, laboratory studies showed that formaldehyde inhalation could cause nasal cancer in rats. This discovery raised the question of the carcinogenic activity of formaldehyde for humans.

In 1987, the US Agency for Protection environment classified formaldehyde as a probable carcinogen under conditions of unusually high or prolonged exposure. Since that time, some studies have shown that formaldehyde exposure is associated with several types of cancer.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies formaldehyde as a "probable human carcinogen". It has been proven to be carcinogenic to animals. The substance is toxic, adversely affects genetic material, reproductive organs, central nervous system, respiratory tract, eyes and skin.

Formaldehyde undergoes rapid chemical changes immediately after absorption, because some scientists believe that it does not affect other organs other than the upper respiratory tract. However, some laboratory studies have shown that formaldehyde can affect the lymphatic and hematopoietic systems.

What have scientists learned about the relationship between formaldehyde and cancer?

The long-term effects of formaldehyde exposure have been evaluated in epidemiological studies. There is evidence that constant exposure to formaldehyde increases the risk of developing leukemia and brain cancer in people. A study of funeral workers conducted from 1960-1986 found an association between formaldehyde exposure and mortality from myeloid leukemia.

A recent study of 25,619 industrial workers exposed to chronic formaldehyde found an increased risk of death due to myeloid leukemia. A cohort study of 11,039 US textile workers reached similar conclusions, but the evidence remains mixed because a similar study of 14,014 UK workers found no association between formaldehyde exposure and death from leukemia.

How to limit formaldehyde exposure in your home?

If you are not ready to throw out all items made of plywood, chipboard and plastic from your home, you can reduce the level of formaldehyde in your homes by providing adequate ventilation, maintaining a moderate temperature in rooms, using air conditioners and dehumidifiers. Items made of chipboard and MDF are not recommended to be placed near heat sources: a fireplace, a battery, a gas stove, a heater.

Formaldehyde (synonyms: methanal, formic aldehyde, methylaldehyde; chemical formula CH2O) in normal conditions It is a colorless gas with a pungent odor, highly soluble in water. This substance is obtained on an industrial scale by the oxidation of methanol. In the material of the article, we will discuss in more detail the sources of formaldehyde release, how long it takes to erode, the norms for the content of H2CO in the air, the effect of formaldehyde on the body, and the symptoms of carcinogen poisoning.

The bactericidal properties of this chemical compound have been known for quite a long time - the well-known formalin used in anatomy for the preservation of tissues and organs is the usual 40% aqueous solution of formic aldehyde. Tanning properties have made it an indispensable component of products for the leather and woodworking industries. In addition, it is used in the production of various cosmetics, as well as in the food industry (as an additive under the code E240).

What are the main sources of formaldehyde emission in the apartment?

First, couples free formaldehydeare part of the products of combustion organic matter:

• smog, car exhaust
• tobacco smoke and even e-cigarette smoke
• evaporation from the fireplace and gas stove

Secondly, formaldehyde evaporation comes from household materials:

• Chipboard (from which most furniture is made)
• plywood, MDF, OSB (used for home decoration and insulation)
• laminate and other floor coverings, plinths, MDF doors and slopes

Thus, in Everyday life it can be found everywhere. Even such seemingly harmless things at first glance as a sofa, bed, table, chairs and floor can serve as sources of formaldehyde release in the air in an apartment (house). It is very important to note that wooden furniture does not contain formaldehyde, but it is also much more expensive than those made from MDF and chipboard.

How long does it take for formaldehyde to erode from furniture chipboard and laminate?

On average, formaldehyde erodes from furniture and floor coverings in about 3 to 5 years.

In the case of upholstered furniture, its release can occur even after 10 years of operation.

Why is formaldehyde dangerous for health, symptoms of poisoning?

Toxicologists have proven that formaldehyde is harmful to human health. However, it should be understood that it is dangerous (toxic) only when it enters the body. While, upon contact with the skin, it causes only local irritation, which quickly passes. That is why you should not be afraid of this substance, for example, in shampoos - the shampoo is washed off with water and the small amount of aldehyde in it can only cause an allergic reaction in people (and even then, according to statistics, the frequency of such cases is only 1 out of 75,000).

Formaldehyde vapors are much more dangerous. After all, chronic formaldehyde poisoning causes the following symptoms:

• allergies, persistent cough, eye, nose, throat and skin irritation, asthma attacks
• sleep disturbance, mental agitation, trembling, weight loss
• headaches, visual disturbances and coordination
• chronic fatigue, drowsiness, lethargy, lethargy
• sweating disorder, and regulation of body temperature

First signs acute poisoning formaldehyde: lacrimation, pain in the eyes, runny nose, cough, shortness of breath, suffocation, headache, incoordination, convulsions. When inhaled, its vapors may cause allergic skin reactions (up to eczema), in women, the menstrual cycle is disturbed.

As a rule, the consequences of formaldehyde poisoning go away on their own when its source is eliminated and do not require the help of a doctor. But, when inhaled in high concentrations, acute conjunctivitis, rhinitis, bronchitis, edema in the lungs and pharynx develop. Death can occur at an atmospheric concentration of this gas equal to 20 mg/m 3 within 30 minutes.

Can formaldehyde cause cancer?

The fact that formaldehyde is a human carcinogen (a substance that can cause cancer) has not been proven 100%. But, in some animal studies, it has been shown that it increases the risk of developing nasopharyngeal cancer, and can also lead to leukemia.

Therefore, it is listed as a potentially carcinogenic compound under the "probably carcinogenic to humans" section.

Anyway the impact of formaldehyde on the human body is extremely negative!

What are the standards for formaldehyde in the air?

We are more interested in the domestic side of the issue - is it possible to harm your health without leaving your apartment and not even knowing it? As it turns out, you can if your home constantly has an excessive level of formaldehyde in the air.

The first sign of excess formaldehyde vapor content in the air is a characteristic pungent odor. It may be familiar to you as a special "hospital" or "pharmacy" fragrance. For many, it is associated with new furniture - but in fact, formaldehyde fumes smell like that. Its smell is already felt at a concentration 25 times less than that allowed by sanitary standards. By the way, MPC (maximum permissible concentration) of formaldehyde in the air is 0.5 mg/m³, while the daily MPC is five times less - 0.01 mg/m³.

So when buying new furniture (laminate, plywood, finishing materials from OSB, MDF, chipboard, etc.), the smell is quite justified. It is much worse if it has not disappeared in a few days - now it's time to think! And if at the same time you have a breakdown, depression, your face turns pale - almost certainly methanal continues to evaporate from interior items (more precisely, from the resin with which wood chips are glued together), and you continue to inhale it. Therefore, you need to protect yourself in advance!

Is there any protection against formaldehyde?

• Firstly, it is advisable to buy products made from solid wood (although manufacturers often use harmful components in their manufacture), but if this is not possible, then you can ask the seller for documentation or do it yourself. According to this property, furniture is divided into three classes (class E1 - the aldehyde content is not higher than 10 mg per 100 g of dry wood board, while class E3 is 60 mg). Accordingly, the cost of production will be different - the less harmful component in the resin, the more expensive it is.
• Secondly, you should not place objects made of chipboard and MDF near heat sources - near radiators, under direct Sun rays and so on.
• Before bringing furniture, laminate, plywood and other finishing materials into the apartment, let them “weather out” on the street.
• In addition, the most common ventilation of the room is useful. Better yet, install an air purifier, this will help to partially neutralize the formaldehyde in the air.
• We should also not forget that green plants in the house not only create comfort, but also purify the air.
• Of course, you should stop smoking indoors, even if you use "electronic" cigarettes.

How can I do an analysis for the determination of formaldehyde in the air?

It is difficult to independently determine formaldehyde; this requires special laboratory equipment and chemical reagents.

If you have doubts about the quality of indoor air, we are always happy to do for you on formaldehyde or any other.

Many have heard of such a substance as formalin. What is this chemical compound? It is often referred to as formol. It is a solution of formaldehyde (36.5-40%). It contains (4-12%) as a stabilizer. This colorless transparent liquid has a pungent odor. It can be mixed with alcohol and water in any ratio.

Formalin: what is it?

This substance is most often used as a disinfectant. Its solutions (0.5-1%) are used to wash the skin with severe sweating (legs, in the armpits) and bromidrosis (sharp Formalin effectively reduces the secretion of the glands of the epidermis, but it cannot be used daily. In some cases, it is used for douching (in concentration of 0.05%), washing the crypts of the tonsils (0.25%) This substance is part of the preparations "Lysoform", "Formidron", "Formalin Ointment", "Teimurov's Paste".

Side effects when using this solution: irritation and overdrying of the skin, which disappears when it is lubricated with a greasy cream or vegetable oil. Formalin, the use of which is contraindicated in inflammatory processes or irritation of the epidermis, can be used only after they have been eliminated.

This solution is also used to disinfect medical instruments and things of patients. The application in this case provides only 0.5% formalin. What is this drug? For medical use, only a 10% solution is produced in 100 ml glass bottles. Store formalin in a well-closed container in a dark place at a temperature of at least 9°C. This substance is considered toxic to humans and animals.

Chemical composition of formalin

How is formalin obtained? The formula of this substance is CH 2 O. formic acid), which is a colorless gas with a suffocating odor, when cooled to -21 ° C, it turns into a transparent liquid. Its melting point is -92 ° C. When oxidized, it turns into formic acid. Formaldehyde is obtained by exposing methyl alcohol in the form of vapors to atmospheric oxygen in the presence of catalysts. Of these, silver has proved to be particularly productive, although the industry uses more affordable copper. The resulting distillation accumulates water, resulting in formalin. It may contain impurities of acetone, acetic or formic acid. Evaporation of formalin in the residue yields a dense mass of polymers insoluble in cold water.

formalin properties

This substance causes irreversible changes in protoplasmic proteins. At the same time, it necrotizes and mummifies tissues. When exposed to this solution bacterial cells their proteins are denatured. In 5% formol, spore fungi die in 0.5 hours. Under the influence of formalin, blood hemoglobin becomes methemoglobin (a product of oxidation by poisons). If stored for a long time in a cold room, this solution becomes cloudy. In this case, a whitish precipitate is formed - paraformaldehyde.

Use of formaldehyde solution

Formalin is used as a convenient source of formaldehyde used in the production of polyvinyl formalin. It is also indispensable as an antiseptic for disinfection of premises, tools, clothing, tanning of raw hides. It is used for embalming organic substances (organisms and organs). Formalin, whose use for the preservation of anatomical preparations does not surprise anyone, is also used as a fungicide. Many growers treat seeds, tubers, root crops with this solution before planting and sowing.

Formalin, the quality of which is controlled by GOST 1625-89, is used in the manufacture of surfactants, rubber, and some other methylene derivatives. Formaldehyde solution is also used in the textile industry. It is used to improve the consumer properties of the fabric in terms of resistance to shrinkage and wrinkling. In the paper industry, formalin improves paper quality and strength.

Formalin Handling Precautions

When buying this substance, do not forget how dangerous formalin can be. What are these precautions? storage of this substance from the date of manufacture - 90 days. Formalin is sold in bottles, canisters, barrels. Formaldehyde solution should be kept as far away from children as possible. When formalin is taken orally, a burning sensation appears in the stomach. This is followed by vomiting of blood. Also, in formalin poisoning, coughing, sneezing, hyperthermia of the mucous membrane of the eyes, and shortness of breath occur. A person may experience convulsions, dizziness, panic attacks. In some cases, formalin poisoning ends in death, which occurs due to respiratory paralysis and asphyxia. The lethal dose is 10-15 ml of a 35% solution. The smell of formalin in high concentrations can also cause an allergic reaction.

What is formalin? What does formalin smell like?

Formalin is an aqueous solution of formaldehyde. Under the influence of formalin, proteins coagulate, that is, their decomposition is prevented. It is thanks to this property that it is used to preserve the necessary anatomical preparations, as well as in embalming. The morgue smells exactly like him.

Formalin smells like death. At least for me. This is the smell of the morgue, the smell of the dead and their preparations. It is with formalin that the dead are treated in order to slow down the processes of decay for some time. Formalin and its preparations process instruments in operating rooms, apparatuses, tables, etc. Formalin kills all living things. Formalin causes protein clotting. As it was correctly said above, now it is used to process stale meat and fish, and then, in order to bring down the smell of formalin, they are treated with a solution of vinegar. The meat after formalin has a whitish tint.

Formalin is used for dressing leather, in paper production.

Shoes are treated with formalin to destroy unpleasant odors and fungi.

Formalin has an irritant effect on the upper respiratory tract, and those who often deal with it suffer from chronic diseases of the nasopharynx, a violation of the bacterial flora of the intestines and genital tract.

Formalin is a combined preparation, it consists of methyl alcohol, formaldehyde and water (8x40x50%).

Formalin is a mixture of formaldehyde, water and methyl alcohol. Most of all in formalin formaldehyde, one of the derivatives of formic acid. Therefore, we can say that formalin smells of formic acid and alcohol. A killer combination in every sense. After all, formalin is used to embalm and prevent cadaveric decomposition in morgues for a reason - it destroys proteins, but does not allow them to decompose. Therefore, for many of us, the smell of formalin is associated with death, as already mentioned. And many do not tolerate this smell at all. However, it should not be tolerated - formalin is toxic and can cause serious poisoning.

Consider me a masochist, but I like its smell, when I made cold porcelain I used it. Reminds me of an apple scent.

Formalin is an aqueous solution of formaldehyde stabilized with methanol. Prevents the decomposition of proteins, is used in medicine for embalming and as an antiseptic. It is used for conservation and storage of anatomical and zoological preparations, as well as in the mortuary. It has a very strong, unbearable smell.

Formalin has a very nasty and pungent odor. It has a bactericidal effect and a good tanning effect. Formalin is an aqueous 4% formaldehyde solution. In stores, meat is often treated with it so that it does not deteriorate.

Formalin does indeed have a very strong unpleasant, pungent odor, however, when the source is removed, the odor quickly disappears. Formalin serves to preserve tissues (organics, meat, fish, bone), is used to store organic samples in medicine and biology. This is really an aqueous solution of formaldehyde, which has an antibacterial effect.

Synonyms: formalin, formaldehyde, methanal, methyl aldehyde, methylene oxide, paraform.

Formaldehyde is a colorless, highly toxic and flammable gas, slightly heavier than air. It has a pungent, highly irritating odor. Its vapors are flammable and explosive.

It is used most often in the form of an aqueous solution stabilized with methanol (formalin).

Formaldehyde is well absorbed by the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and, to a lesser extent, the skin. People who are sensitive to formaldehyde may experience headaches and minor eye and respiratory irritation even at very low concentrations.

Formalin (HCHO) is an aqueous solution of formaldehyde. The most commonly used composition includes 40 percent formaldehyde, 8 percent methanol and 52 percent water. The smell of formalin is quite nasty, but quickly disappears. Used to better preserve organic tissues.

Formalin is an aqueous solution of formaldehyde, it is called aqueous because it consists of 52 percent water, the remaining 48 are divided into 8 percent alcohol and 40 percent formaldehyde, they use it in the mortuary, so this is the smell of death.

Sometimes, in houses of a very old, well, very old type, there is such a misfortune - a mouse crawls into a gap between the floorboards and there, under the floor, in a place inaccessible for cleaning, it dies. The mouse corpse begins to decompose. The smell of decaying mouse flesh wafts throughout the house. Now imagine (imagine! imagine!) that this mouse died in an untidy toilet like a toilet. Represented? I ask you, did you imagine this? If yes, then you know what formalin smells like.

What is formalin? This is a 35-40% solution of formaldehyde in water. If you want to know what formaldehyde is, ask a separate question.