INHALATION: Irritation of upper respiratory tract. Bronchitis and bronchopneumonia can result from prolonged exposure. Inflammation of eyelids can occur. Formaldehyde exposure is under investigation. Methanol vapours can cause dizziness, fatigue, nausea and intestinal disturbance. Massive exposure can cause acute poisoning, visual impairment and death. In case of exposure remove from contaminated area to fresh air. If patient is not breathing, apply artificial respiration and, if qualified, administer oxygen. Immediately call a physician. Keep the patient warm.

INGESTION: Severe abdominal pain, unconsciousness, collapse, temporary or permanent visual impairment, death. In all cases, immediately call a physician. Wash out mouth thoroughly with water. If the patient is conscious, give milk or water freely to drink to dilute the chemical, induce vomiting. Repeat.

EYE CONTACT: Can cause irritation and severe eye burns. Immediately call a physician. Rinse the eyes with a gentle stream of water for at least 15 minutes, keeping the eyelids separated. Repeat if pain persists.

SKIN CONTACT: Can cause irritation, burns, hardening or tanning of skin, cracking and ulceration, or dermatitis. Massive skin contact can result in methanol poisoning, visual impairment, death. Wash thoroughly with soap and water. Remove and wash contaminated clothing before re-use. Call a physician.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION:

LD₅₀ 800 mg/kg orally in rats

TCLo 13.8 mg/kg inhalation in humans

BOILING POINT: 91 - 100^oC

VAPOUR DENSITY (AIR=1): 1.08 - 1.11

SOLUBILITY IN WATER: Miscible

APPEARANCE AND COLOUR: Clear colorless to light yellow liquid with a pungent odour

SPECIFIC GRAVITY: 1.05 - 1.18

pH: 2.8 - 4.0

FLASH POINT: 60^oC

FLAMMABLE LIMITS IN AIR; % BY VOL. LOWER: Formaldehyde 7% Methanol 6%

FLAMMABLE LIMITS IN AIR; % BY VOL. UPPER: Formaldehyde 73% Methanol 37%

FIRE FIGHTING PROCEDURES & PRECAUTIONS: Water spray, dry chemicals, carbon dioxide or vaporizing liquid.

FIRE & EXPLOSION HAZARDS: The vapours can explode at high temperatures when brought in contact with an ignition source.

STABILITY: Unstable

HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION: Will not occur

CONDITIONS & MATERIALS TO AVOID: Avoid storage at low temperatures, as paraformaldehyde will precipitate. When mixed with phenolic type chemicals, or strong acids or bases, a violent exothermic reaction may occur. Can react with nitromethane to form explosive product. Can react with HCl to form carcinogenic product.

HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS: Unknown

CONTROL MEASURES: In case of a spill, shut off all possible sources of ignition. Wear gloves and goggles. Dike any liquid to prevent its spread to public water sources. Mop up with plenty of water and treat with dilute ammonia solution. Run to waste diluting greatly with running water. Ventilate the contaminated area well to dispel any vapour. If formaldehyde solution enters sewers or drains inform local authorities.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION: Respirators should be used and for large quantities self contained breathing apparatus should be used.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: Protective clothing or aprons should be used. Gloves should be used.

EYE PROTECTION: Safety goggles should be used.

VENTILATION: Use only with adequate ventilation. Local exhaust system or fume cupboard should be used.

WASTE DISPOSAL: Pour the liquid in a hole in an open area. Wear a respirator. Ensure disposal method complies with local, provincial and federal regulations governing disposal.

DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION: Regulated under Transport of Dangerous Goods. U.N. 1198, Class 3.3 (9.2), Packing Group II.

WHMIS CLASSIFICATION: D2B

OTHER REGULATORY REQUIREMENT: None

High concentrations of vapour inhaled for long periods can cause laryngitis, bronchitis or bronchial pneumonia. Prolonged contact with skin can cause cracking of skin and ulceration, particularly around fingernails.

PREPARED BY: MSDS Department                           DATE: Update January 10, 2008