Formaldehyde exposure in work and the general environment. Occurrence and possibilities for prevention.

Formaldehyde is extensively used for many different purposes. For this reason, serious concern has been expressed about the health hazards related to its potent irritating and sensitizing properties. Recently published information about the potential carcinogenicity of formaldehyde has generated further discussion of the potential health hazards of this compound. This article briefly reviews the health hazards of formaldehyde, the occurrence of formaldehyde in the environment, and general aspects of the prevention of existing hazards.