Safety data for paraformaldehyde
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Toxicity data
Irritation data
Risk phrases
Safety phrases
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This information was last updated on August 15, 2005.
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for it. General
Synonyms: paraform, polyoxymethane, polymerised formaldehyde,
alacide, flo-mor, formagene
Molecular formula: (CH2O)n
CAS No: 30525-89-4
EC No:
Physical data
Appearance: white powder with formaldehyde-like odour
Melting point: 120 C
Boiling point:
Vapour density: 1.03
Vapour pressure:
Specific gravity: 1.40
Flash point: 70 C
Explosion limits: 7.0 - 73%
Autoignition temperature:
Stability
Stable. Incompatible with strong acids, organic acids,
strong oxidizing agents, oxides, alkalies, strong bases, amines.
Combustible. Dust may form an explosive mixture with air.
Liberates poisonous gases on combustion.
Toxicology
Experiments with animals suggest that this material may act
as a carcinogen. Ingestion may be fatal. May cause heritable genetic damage.
May cause irreversible damage to sight.
Corrosive. May cause skin or eye burns or
irritation. Can cause severe burning of mouth and stomach.
Harmful by inhalation, ingestion or skin absorption.
Read also the safety information for
formaldehyde.
(The meaning of any abbreviations which appear in this section
is given
here.)
ORL-RAT LD50 800 mg kg-1
IHL-RAT LC50 1070 mg/m3/4h.
(The meaning of any abbreviations which appear in this section
is given
here.)
SKN-RBT 500 mg/24h SEV
EYE-RBT 100 mg SEV
(The meaning of any risk phrases which appear in this section is
given here.)
R21 R22 R23 R34 R42 R43 R45 R46.
Personal protection
Safety glasses, gloves. Effective ventilation.
Handle as a possible carcinogen.
(The meaning of any safety phrases which appear in this section
is given here.)
S16 S26 S36 S37 S39 S45.