Formaldehyde in consumer products

Formaldehyde (CH2O) is a volatile organic compound that is used in a range of products including building materials, textiles and clothing, cosmetics and personal care products and household cleaning products.

Regulators

The ACCC has provided these interim, non regulatory reference limits for levels of formaldehyde in various products:

• infants' clothing—30 ppm
• clothing specifically marketed as suitable for people with sensitive skin—30 ppm
• garments which contact the skin—100 ppm
• other garments or fabrics—300 ppm.

The Australian National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) has assessed formaldehyde. Its review notes that the European Union (EU) Expert Group on Sensitisation categorised formaldehyde as a strong skin sensitiser.

The NICNAS review indicates that formaldehyde solutions can induce skin sensitisation at very low concentrations and may elicit a dermatological reaction in individuals who have been sensitised.

Further information

For more detailed information please follow the link to the article on formaldehyde in consumer products.