This SOP describes the hazard mitigation controls necessary to work safely with formaldehyde and formaldehyde containing materials. Formaldehyde is highly toxic and capable of causing carcinogenic and mutagenic health effects, among others. Even at airborne levels as low as 0.1 parts per million (ppm), acute exposure health effects may be experienced. In the lab, exposure to formaldehyde occurs primarily through inhalation of gas or vapor from the air, or by absorption through the skin. The above SOP lists activities in lab that may pose a risk as well as techniques for mitigation.
