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Formaldehyde Effects on Skin

Formaldehyde is a highly toxic, colorless gas that emits a strong odor. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry, the vapors produced by formaldehyde are flammable at room temperature. Formaldehyde causes skin problems that range from minor irritations to serious conditions. While you may associate this substance with embalming fluid, different industries use it. These industries include beauty, agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals, textiles and glass making.

  1. Dry and Irritated Skin

    • Minor skin problems caused by formaldehyde include dryness, cracking and skin rashes. Formaldehyde results in dry, irritated skin because it strips away your skin's natural protective oils. In addition to minor irritations, the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) says liquid formaldehyde and formaldehyde vapors may lead to allergic reactions. Symptoms include hives, edema and erythema, or red, tender lumps. Professionals susceptible to skin irritation and allergic reaction are nurses, hair stylists, mortuary workers and people who work with newsprint.

    Eye Problems

    • Formaldehyde vapors irritate the eyes, leading to watery eyes, burning sensations, redness and itching, according to OSHA. If you get formaldehyde liquids in your eyes, you may suffer from corneal opacity, scarring and even blindness. The NYU Langone Medical Center says corneal opacity occurs when formaldehyde scars the cornea, making the cornea appear white or cloudy. The cornea no longer effectively lets light get to the retina. Doctors may recommend eye drops or oral antibiotics; severe cases of corneal opacity may require surgery to reverse eye damage.

    Workplace Protection

    • Professionals who work with products containing formaldehyde should do what they can to protect themselves from skin problems related to exposure. The North Carolina Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Division says companies must measure levels of formaldehyde in their businesses and industries to make sure air quality adheres to current state regulations. Workers should wear protective clothing and goggles to protect against splashes. Hairdressers using products containing formaldehyde must wear gloves. Businesses must keep drench showers and eyewash facilities nearby in case of occupational accidents.

    Personal Safety

    • If formaldehyde irritates your skin and eyes, you need to read the labels of cleaning products, haircare products, fabrics, cosmetics, paints, ink, medications and adhesives. Oregon OSHA says manufacturers, importers and distributors have to let consumers know if their product contain more than 0.1 percent of formaldehyde either in liquid or vapor form. Formaldehyde absorbs into the skin after long-term exposure, leading to organ damage. It is important to read labels before making purchases.

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