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    Formaldehyde: Uses & Health Risks

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    Formaldehyde: Uses & Health Risks
    • Formaldehyde can irritate the eyes, skin, and airways, while high levels of exposure can cause serious poisoning.
    • Some hair smoothing and nail products may contain or release formaldehyde, especially when heat is applied.
    • Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen linked to certain cancers, including myeloid leukemia and cancers of the nasal passages.

    Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a strong odor. Formalin is an aqueous solution of formaldehyde, and exposure to formaldehyde can cause allergic reactions and irritation, while high levels of exposure can cause serious toxicity

    Formaldehyde may be released from certain hair straightening and smoothing products, including some keratin treatments and products marketed as “hair botox.” It can also be found in some nail hardeners and nail polishes

    Exposure to formaldehyde can irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract and, at high concentrations, can cause serious health effects. Formaldehyde is also a known human carcinogen, and prolonged or high occupational exposure has been associated with certain cancers

    Main uses

    Formaldehyde or ingredients that release formaldehyde may be found in some cosmetic products, including certain hair straightening and smoothing treatments and nail products. The FDA warns that some hair smoothing products containing formaldehyde, formalin, or methylene glycol can release formaldehyde gas when heated

    Formaldehyde is also used in laboratories to preserve animal specimens and anatomical tissue. People who work with formaldehyde should use appropriate protective measures, such as eye protection, gloves, protective clothing, adequate ventilation, and respiratory protection when required

    Health risks

    Frequent exposure to formaldehyde or contact with or inhalation of large amounts can pose health risks, including:

    1. Respiratory problems

    When inhaled, formaldehyde can irritate the respiratory tract and cause problems such as bronchospasm, airway inflammation, and pulmonary edema

    It may also cause nasal irritation, throat pain or irritation, and burns or injuries to the respiratory tract

    Formaldehyde can also cause shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, or asthma attacks

    When used in small or poorly ventilated spaces, formaldehyde can build up in the air and lead to dangerous levels of exposure, which can be life-threatening

    2. Skin changes

    When formaldehyde comes into contact with the skin, it can cause irritation, allergic dermatitis, burns, sores, ulcers, or, in severe cases, tissue damage

    3. Hair loss

    When products that contain or release formaldehyde are used for hair straightening or smoothing treatments, they can cause scalp irritation or burns and may contribute to hair breakage or hair loss

    The FDA warns that some hair smoothing products contain or release formaldehyde when heated and advises consumers to check ingredient lists for formaldehyde, formalin, or methylene glycol

    4. Eye irritation

    Formaldehyde can irritate the eyes when inhaled or after accidental contact with the eyes, causing symptoms such as excessive tearing, redness, or eye pain

    Exposure to high concentrations can also cause serious corneal injury and, in severe cases, loss of vision

    5. Gastrointestinal injuries

    When swallowed, formalin can cause severe gastrointestinal injuries because it is corrosive to the lining of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines

    Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, and perforation

    6. Poisoning

    Significant formaldehyde exposure can occur through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion and may be life-threatening at very high concentrations

    Suspected severe formaldehyde poisoning requires urgent medical evaluation, particularly when symptoms such as difficulty breathing, severe eye or skin injury, persistent vomiting, altered consciousness, or other serious symptoms are present

    7. Cancer

    Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen, meaning that exposure can increase the risk of certain types of cancer

    According to the National Cancer Institute, exposure to formaldehyde has been associated with myeloid leukemia and cancers of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and nasopharynx. Formaldehyde can also damage DNA and chromosomes

    Children may be particularly vulnerable to some toxic exposures because of physiological differences compared with adults. For this reason, unnecessary exposure to formaldehyde should be avoided

    Formaldehyde poisoning

    The main symptoms of formaldehyde poisoning include:

    • Skin redness, pain, burning, and peeling

    • Excessive tearing, eye irritation, and blurred vision

    • Coughing or difficulty breathing

    • Nausea or vomiting

    • Signs of organ injury in severe or prolonged exposure

    Other serious complications may include abnormal heart rhythms, low blood pressure, respiratory failure, circulatory shock, acute kidney injury, metabolic acidosis, or coma

    If significant formaldehyde exposure has occurred and serious symptoms develop, emergency medical care should be sought immediately to begin treatment and prevent potentially life-threatening complications

    Hair straightening

    Hair straightening or smoothing treatments can expose clients and salon workers to formaldehyde gas, especially when heat is applied. According to the FDA, some products containing formaldehyde, formalin, or methylene glycol can release formaldehyde into the air when heated

    OSHA regulates workplace exposure to formaldehyde in salons. Formaldehyde may also be present in some nail products, but concentrations used in these products should not be considered safe or appropriate for hair straightening

    A strong odor or an ingredient list that includes formaldehyde, formalin, or methylene glycol may indicate exposure. However, odor alone cannot determine the level of exposure. Anyone who develops an adverse reaction should stop using the product and contact a healthcare provider

    Update History
    We regularly update our content with the latest scientific information to maintain an exceptional level of quality.

    • 1 September, 2026 (Current version)
      Updated by
      Jillian Kinton-Vieira – Registered Nurse
      Updated by
      Jillian Kinton-Vieira – Registered Nurse
    • 4 August, 2026
    • Created on
      August, 2026
      by
      Jillian Kinton-Vieira
      – Registered Nurse

    References

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