Carcinogen Alphabet:
“F” for Formaldehyde
This substance is toxic if swallowed, is toxic in contact with skin, causes severe skin burns and eye damage, is toxic if inhaled, may cause cancer, is suspected of causing genetic defects and may cause and allergic skin reaction.
Formaldehyde is used in laboratories for room or equipment decontamination (eg microbiological safety cabinets). From January 2016, it has been classified as a Category 1b carcinogen under the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation. This means that use of formaldehyde will be restricted to professional use only. The classification also has significant implications for the approval of formaldehyde as an active substance under Biocidal Products Regulation. The long term use of formaldehyde will be subject to further restrictions.
In support of the “No Time to Lose” Campaign the SEL Group will be running an “Alphabet of Carcinogens” campaign and each week we shall release details regarding a different well known carcinogen.
For reference or further information on Formaldehyde visit:
