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Formaldehyde is a naturally-occurring organic compound with the chemical formula CH2O. It is the simplest aldehyde and is also known by its systematic name methanal.
In pure form, formaldehyde is a gas but is often used in liquid form after diluting with water. It is a colourless highly flammable liquid or gas with a pungent odour that is detectable at 1 part per million (ppm). Formaldehyde mixes with water, acetone, benzene, diethyl ether, chloroform and ethanol. It reacts with strong oxidisers, alkalis and acids, phenols and urea. Poisonous gases are produced if formaldehyde catches fire. It is very reactive, combines with many substances and polymerises easily. In view of its widespread use, toxicity and volatility, exposure to formaldehyde is a significant consideration for human health. In 2011, the United States National Toxicology Program described formaldehyde as "known to be a human carcinogen".[1,2]
