ethics L6 formaldehyde standard

Formaldehyde

is a colorless, strong-smelling gas often found in aqueous (water based) solutions. • Commonly used as a preservative in medical laboratories and mortuaries, formaldehyde is also found in many products such as chemicals, particle board, household products, glues, permanent press fabrics, paper product coatings, fiberboard, and plywood. It is also widely used as an industrial fungicide, germicide and disinfectant

Permissible exposure limits

are designed to protect workers exposed to formaldehyde.

• The PEL for formaldehyde in the workplace is 0.75 parts formaldehyde per million parts of air

(0.75 ppm) measured as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA)

TWA

Time-Weighted Average

0.75ppm, as an 8-hour time-weighted average

STEL

Short-Term Exposure Limit

2.0pppm, any 15-minute period during the work shift

Action Level

0.5 ppm, as an 8-hour TWA

potential health effects

air concentration 0 - 0.5 ppm:

None

potential health effects

air concentration 0.05 - 1.50 ppm:

Odor threshold

potential health effects

air concentration 0.05 - 2.0 ppm:

Eye sensation/irritation, Irritation of the nose and throat

potential health effects

air concentration 0.10 - 5.0 ppm:

Difficulty in breathing, burning sensation in the nose and throat, and coughing

potential health effects

air concentration 25 – 50 ppm:

Tissue damage and serious respiratory tract injury such as pneumonitis. Associated symptoms may include sneezing, wheezing, chest constriction, bronchitis, headache excessive thirst, weakness, palpitations, nausea and vomiting

potential health effects

air concentration 50 – 100 ppm:

Pulmonary edema/inflammation - severe lower airway effects

potential health effects

air concentration 100 ppm:

Death.

The employer will provide a copy of the physician’s written opinion to the affected employee within _____ of its receipt

15 days