Formaldehyde Advantages and Disadvantages: Usage Areas and Harmful Effects on Human Beings

Abstract

Formaldehyde, a simple but important member of aldehydes, is highly reactive due to its strong electrophilic properties. It is a colorless, pungent, low molecular weight poisonous gas that can rapidly pass into gaseous phase at room temperature, can burn, and can dissolve very well in water. Formaldehyde, which is found in the natural structure of the organism, is used in many places from industrial areas to household materials and from the production of coatings in dentistry to the determination of cadavers in laboratories. In addition to having such a wide range of uses, it has harmful effects on human health as it can react spontaneously with various cellular elements. In this review, which is based on various sources, detailed information about the definition, properties, usage areas, and harmful effects of formaldehyde will be given.

Effect of a Geothermal Heat Pump in Cooling Mode on the Housing Environment and Swine Productivity Traits

“…No significant differences were observed in the concentration of PM 2.5 and formaldehyde (except in the early finishing period in the case of PM 2.5 ), and the values of PM 2.5 and formaldehyde were in line with ambient air quality standards (AQS) in South Korea. The AQS safety range of PM 2.5 is 50 µg/m 3 , and formaldehyde has no harmful effects at concentrations of 0.10-0.11 ppm [29,30]. Geothermal energy is popular worldwide as an environmentally friendly and renewable energy source that has a significant impact on the reduction of global climate change, protects public and animal health, and enhances energy security [31].…”

Perception and Attitude of Medical Students towards Cadaveric Dissection in Anatomical Science Education

“…Another study conducted at the University of Development Studies, affirms the negative experiences of dissection observed in this present study ( 18 ). In the preservation of cadavers for dissection, the most used chemical agent is the formaldehyde as it hardens proteins and prevents them from decomposition ( 19 ). However, formaldehyde has a sharp odour that can be detectable at low concentrations, and its vapour and solutions are known as skin and eye irritants in human beings.…”

“…The common effects of formaldehyde exposure are various symptoms caused by irritation of the mucosa in the eyes and upper respiratory tract and these are experienced by the students during cadaveric dissection. Formaldehyde is as well emphasized as carcinogenic by experimental studies ( 19 , 20 , 21 ) and has harmful effects on many systems such as the respiratory system, nervous system, and digestive system. There is therefore a dire need for anatomists and scientists to determine better means of preservation of cadavers that minimizes these harmful effects.…”

Effects of Formaldehyde Exposure on Human Body-A Review Article

“…This implies that it helped to create the organic compounds and molecules that manifested life on earth. It dissolves very well in water, alcohols, and other polar solvents [5]. It is easily oxidized by sunlight to carbon dioxide, and at high temperatures (above 150 o C) it decomposes to methanol and carbon monoxide [5].…”

“…It dissolves very well in water, alcohols, and other polar solvents [5]. It is easily oxidized by sunlight to carbon dioxide, and at high temperatures (above 150 o C) it decomposes to methanol and carbon monoxide [5]. In terms of its physical and chemical properties, formaldehyde is made up of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen with a chemical formula of CH 2 O or HCOH.…”