Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas at room temperature and has a strong odor. Exposure to formaldehyde can cause severe adverse health effects.

Formaldehyde is found in:

• Resins used in the manufacture of composite wood products (i.e., hardwood plywood, particleboard and medium-density fiberboard);

• Building materials and insulation;

• Household products such as glues, permanent press fabrics (sofa, curtains), paints and coatings, lacquers and finishes, and paper products;

• Preservatives used in some medicines, cosmetics and other consumer products such as dishwashing liquids and fabric softeners; and

• Fertilizers and pesticides.

It is a byproduct of combustion and certain other natural processes, and so is also found in:

• Emissions from un-vented, fuel burning appliances, like gas stoves or kerosene space heaters; and

• Cigarette smoke.

People are exposed primarily by inhaling formaldehyde gas or vapor from the air or by absorbing liquids containing formaldehyde through the skin.

You may be exposed to formaldehyde by breathing contaminated air from sources such as pressed-wood products, tobacco smoke, and automobile tailpipe emissions.