Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a strong, pickle-like smell. It’s used to make resins found in particleboard, MDF, plywood and some insulation and finishes. It irritates the eyes, nose and lungs, can cause skin allergies, and is classified as a cause of cancer.

• Construction
• General Industry

Where it comes from

• Cutting, sanding and machining particleboard, MDF and hardwood plywood
• Some adhesives, coatings, floor finishes and older urea-formaldehyde foam insulation
• New cabinets, furniture and flooring giving off gas in closed rooms, especially when warm
• Resin and plastics manufacturing, textile treatment, labs, funeral homes

Health effects

• Burning eyes, nose and throat; cough and wheezing
• Skin irritation and allergic dermatitis
• Worse asthma, and sensitization in some people
• Cancer: classified as a human carcinogen (nasopharyngeal cancer, and linked to leukemia)

OSHA formaldehyde standard

The standard (1910.1048, which also applies in construction) also requires hazard training, regulated areas above the limits, eyewash and showers where splashes can occur, and medical surveillance for exposed workers.

Controls

• Use low-emitting products. EPA’s composite wood rules require certified, labeled products (TSCA Title VI).
• Cut and sand composite wood with dust collection; work outdoors or with local exhaust when possible.
• Ventilate new buildings and rooms with new cabinets, flooring and finishes.
• Wear chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection when handling liquid formaldehyde or resins.
• Use respirators with the right cartridges when exposure can’t be controlled otherwise. See Respiratory Protection.

Last updated: October 2, 2026