Formaldehyde is a common chemical used in many laboratories as a preservative and disinfectant. It is also a strong irritant, skin sensitizer and potential carcinogen.

Anyone working in a laboratory where formaldehyde is used must complete the Formaldehyde Awareness training sponsored by the EH&S office. The EH&S office also provides a written template which can be easily modified to each particular laboratory to assist with the requirement for each formaldehyde user to implement a written control plan. Where formaldehyde is used, air monitoring must be done to determine exposure levels of employees. If monitoring has not been conducted in your lab, please contact EH&S for free sampling.