POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS - INGESTION
Acute Exposure:
- Ingestion of formaldehyde solutions may cause burning of the mouth, throat and stomach, difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, headache, hypertension, vertigo, stupor, convulsions, unconsciousness and coma. May also cause damage to the liver, heart, brain, spleen, pancreas, kidney, and central nervous system. Mean fatal dose in humans is 1-2 ounces of a 37% solution.
Chronic Exposure
- Repeated ingestion of small amounts of formaldehyde may cause gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, and dizziness.