Safety data sheet reference · CAS 50-00-0
Formaldehyde SDS
also: formaldehyde MSDS · safety data sheet · HCHO · CAS 50-00-0 · EC 200-001-8 · formalin · methanal
Official PDF from supplier
This page is a reference, not the legal document.
CAS number
50-00-0
EC number
200-001-8
CLP Annex VI index
605-001-00-5
Molecular formula
CH2O
Structural formula
HCHO
Molar mass
30.026 g/mol
§ 02 · Hazards identification
Formaldehyde harmonised EU classification
CLP Annex VI · Index 605-001-00-5. A supplier SDS may add self-classified hazards — this is the legal minimum.
Concentration / form dependent — CLP Note B
Formaldehyde is placed on the market in different concentrations or forms whose classification can differ. This page shows the harmonised Annex VI entry for the substance as such — always match the supplier's SDS to the concentration and form you actually use.
Precautionary statements
Codes ending in a colon introduce the action that follows — on a label they are printed as combined statements, such as P305+P351+P338.
§ 03 · Composition and identifiers
Formaldehyde molecular structure
Formaldehyde is a molecular compound. The skeletal formula below is drawn from its PubChem SMILES string, and every value in this section is computed from that structure.
2D skeletal formula · HCHO
Hybridisation
C sp² · O sp²
Electron count
12 valence e⁻ · 2 lone pairs
Identifiers from PubChem (NIH, public domain). Structure diagram drawn with RDKit from the SMILES string. Geometry and hybridisation are computed from the connection table, not measured.
§ 04 · First-aid measures
Formaldehyde first aid measures
Call your national emergency number first. These are published first-aid measures, not medical advice, and they do not replace emergency services, a poison control centre or the supplier's safety data sheet.
§4–§6 below reproduce the CAMEO Chemicals entry FORMALDEHYDE, SOLUTIONS (FORMALIN) (CORROSIVE). CAMEO publishes response data per product entry, so the entry can describe a solution, a refrigerated liquid or a molten form rather than the pure substance in §9 — check it matches what you are handling.
Eye: IRRIGATE IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.
Skin: WATER FLUSH PROMPTLY - If this chemical contacts the skin, flush the contaminated skin with water promptly. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water promptly. If irritation persists after washing, get medical attention.
Breathing: RESPIRATORY SUPPORT - If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
Swallow: MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.
Source: NIOSH, 2024 — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), public domain.
§ 05 · Fire-fighting measures
Formaldehyde fire fighting measures
ERG 2024 · GUIDE 153 Substances - Toxic and/or Corrosive (Combustible)ERG guidance is written per response guide, not per substance — Guide 153 covers every material assigned to it, so a few sentences reference other UN numbers in the same group.
Fire and explosion hazard
Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily. When heated, vapors may form explosive mixtures with air: indoors, outdoors and sewers explosion hazards. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Corrosives in contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways. Substance may be transported in a molten form.
Extinguishing media and tactics
SMALL FIREDry chemical, CO2 or water spray.
LARGE FIREDry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKSFight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames.
Source: ERG, 2024 — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), public domain. Entry: FORMALDEHYDE, SOLUTIONS (FORMALIN) (CORROSIVE).
§ 06 · Accidental release measures
Formaldehyde spill and leak response
Containment and clean-up
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS.
Initial isolation and evacuation
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASUREIsolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
SPILLIncrease the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.
FIREIf tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
Source: ERG, 2024 — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), public domain. Entry: FORMALDEHYDE, SOLUTIONS (FORMALIN) (CORROSIVE).
§ 07 · Handling and storage
Formaldehyde computed storage compatibility
Derived from CLP Annex VI classification and CAMEO reactive-group data — not copied from a PDF.
⚠ Polymerizable
↔ Keep separate
Full interactive verdict — reactions, gas release on contact, ADR forms →
§ 08 · Exposure controls
Formaldehyde exposure limits (IDLH)
IDLH
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health
20 ppm
Published for another entry
NIOSH published this value for Formalin (as formaldehyde), not for formaldehyde under its own name.
Carcinogen
NIOSH lists formaldehyde as a potential occupational carcinogen — exposure should be kept as low as achievable regardless of the IDLH figure.
NIOSH Pocket Guide — Formaldehyde →
IDLH from the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (CDC, U.S. public domain), via CAMEO Chemicals. Occupational exposure limits — OSHA PEL, NIOSH REL and EU IOELV — are not published on this page yet.
§ 09 · Physical and chemical properties
Formaldehyde physical properties
Fire-relevant values first — flash point and explosion limits decide the storage and ventilation regime.
Explosion limits
7 – 73 %
LEL / UEL in air, vol.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA, public domain); per-value source references stored in the database.
§ 10 · Stability and reactivity
Reactive group (CAMEO/NOAA): Aldehydes, Polymerizable Compounds. Our database documents 54 incompatible and 53 caution reaction-partner groups for formaldehyde — including which combinations release gas on contact. See the per-partner breakdown with gas release →
54
Incompatible
53
Caution
§ 13 · Disposal considerations
Dispose of waste and residues in accordance with local and national regulations — in the EU under the Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC. Never discharge to drains or municipal waste; hand contaminated packaging and unused product to an authorised waste-disposal company. The supplier's SDS section 13 lists the applicable waste codes for the specific product.
§ 14 · Transport information
Formaldehyde road transport — ADR 2025
UN number
Proper shipping name
FORMALDEHYDE SOLUTION, FLAMMABLE
Class · PG
3 · III
Classification code
FC
Transport category
3
ADR labels
3, 8
Hazard ID (Kemler) / UN plate
Top: hazard identification number (Kemler). Bottom: UN number — as carried on the orange plate of the transport unit.
UN number
Proper shipping name
FORMALDEHYDE SOLUTION with not less than 25 % formaldehyde
Class · PG
8 · III
Classification code
C9
Transport category
3
ADR labels
8
Hazard ID (Kemler) / UN plate
Top: hazard identification number (Kemler). Bottom: UN number — as carried on the orange plate of the transport unit.
Source: UN ADR 2025 (ECE/TRANS/352), Table A. Road (ADR) only — for sea (IMDG) and air (IATA), consult the supplier's SDS §14.
MSDS vs SDS
Formaldehyde MSDS vs SDS: is there a difference?
MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is the older name for the same document. In the US, OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (2012) adopted the GHS-standardised 16-section Safety Data Sheet; in the EU the format is set by REACH Annex II. So a "formaldehyde MSDS" and a "formaldehyde SDS" refer to the same document — today it is issued as an SDS. Full breakdown of the differences →
Other acute toxics in our database
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- (2S)-2-hydroxy-2-(3-phenoxyphenyl)acetonitrile 61826-76-4
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- 1-(1,4-Benzodioxan-2-ylcarbonyl)piperazine hydrochloride 70918-74-0
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Substance profile
What formaldehyde is
Physical and chemical properties with the conditions each value was measured under, synonyms, formula and the harmonised CLP classification →
Compliance hub
From classification to SDS
The classification above corresponds to Section 2 of a Safety Data Sheet. Learn how a compliant 16-section SDS is structured and authored →
GHS label maker
Build the label for formaldehyde
Pictograms, signal word and H-statements combined into a compliant label layout →
§ 16 · Sources
- Classification: Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP), Annex VI
- Transport: UN ADR 2025 (UNECE), Table A
- Reactivity: NOAA CAMEO Chemicals reactive-group matrix (public domain)
- Physical properties: CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA, public domain) — per-value source references stored in the database
- Emergency response (§4–§6): ERG 2024 (PHMSA) · NIOSH Pocket Guide (CDC) · CHRIS (USCG) · NTP · EPA — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), all US federal public domain, reproduced verbatim
- Substance data: PubChem · ECHA
Reference aid only. This page summarises the harmonised EU classification and computed storage guidance — it is not a Safety Data Sheet and does not replace one. Always verify hazards, handling and storage against the supplier's SDS (sections 7 and 10) and local regulations before use. Page updated 2026-08-11.
Frequently asked questions about formaldehyde
Is an MSDS the same as an SDS?
In practice, yes. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) is the older name for the same document. In the US, OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (2012) adopted the GHS-standardised 16-section Safety Data Sheet; in the EU the SDS format is set by REACH Annex II. A document you find labelled "formaldehyde MSDS" is today issued as an SDS.
What GHS pictograms does formaldehyde require?
Under the harmonised EU classification (CLP Annex VI), formaldehyde carries GHS05 and GHS06 and GHS08 with the signal word "Danger". Hazard statements: H350, H341, H330, H302, H314, H317. A supplier's SDS may add self-classified hazards on top of this harmonised minimum.
Where can I download an official formaldehyde SDS PDF?
From your own supplier — an SDS is issued per product and supplier, so the correct PDF for an inspection is the one matching the product you actually purchased. The supplier links on this page lead to the official SDS libraries of major distributors.
Call emergency services first
112 in the EU · 911 in the US. This screen is published response information, not medical advice, and it does not replace emergency services, a poison centre or the supplier's safety data sheet.
Text below is the CAMEO Chemicals entry FORMALDEHYDE, SOLUTIONS (FORMALIN) (CORROSIVE) — confirm it matches the form in front of you.
01 · First aid
What to do for the person
Eye: IRRIGATE IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical contacts the eyes, immediately wash (irrigate) the eyes with large amounts of water, occasionally lifting the lower and upper lids. Get medical attention immediately.
Skin: WATER FLUSH PROMPTLY - If this chemical contacts the skin, flush the contaminated skin with water promptly. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water promptly. If irritation persists after washing, get medical attention.
Breathing: RESPIRATORY SUPPORT - If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform artificial respiration. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible.
Swallow: MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY - If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately.
02 · Fire
Extinguishing and tactics
Fire and explosion hazard
Combustible material: may burn but does not ignite readily. When heated, vapors may form explosive mixtures with air: indoors, outdoors and sewers explosion hazards. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Corrosives in contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may pollute waterways. Substance may be transported in a molten form.
Extinguishing media and tactics
SMALL FIREDry chemical, CO2 or water spray.
LARGE FIREDry chemical, CO2, alcohol-resistant foam or water spray. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire. Dike runoff from fire control for later disposal.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKSFight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Do not get water inside containers. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames.
03 · Spill
Containment, isolation, evacuation
Containment and clean-up
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch damaged containers or spilled material unless wearing appropriate protective clothing. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Absorb or cover with dry earth, sand or other non-combustible material and transfer to containers. DO NOT GET WATER INSIDE CONTAINERS.
Initial isolation and evacuation
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASUREIsolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.
SPILLIncrease the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.
FIREIf tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions.
Sources: ERG 2024 (PHMSA) · NIOSH Pocket Guide (CDC) · CHRIS (USCG) · NTP · EPA — via CAMEO Chemicals (NOAA), public domain. Text reproduced verbatim.