Toxic substances list: formaldehyde

In Canada, formaldehyde is used primarily in the production of resins and fertilizers and for a variety of minor uses. Formaldehyde enters the Canadian environment from natural sources (including forest fires) and from direct human sources, such as automotive and other fuel combustion and industrial on-site uses. Secondary formation also occurs, by the oxidation of natural and anthropogenic organic compounds present in air. Although there are no quantitative estimates, releases from natural and secondary sources in Canada are likely greater than direct human releases. However, the highest concentrations measured in the environment occur near anthropogenic sources; these are of prime concern for the exposure of humans and other biota.

CAS (Chemical Abstract Service) registry number: 50-00-0

Risk Assessment

• Priority Substances List Assessment Report
• Order Adding Toxic Substances to Schedule 1 to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999
• CEPA 1999 Schedule 1 - List of Toxic Substances - This substance has been added to the List of Toxic Substances. It is entering or may enter the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that:
  b) constitute or may constitute a danger to the environment on which life depends.
  c) constitute or may constitute a danger in Canada to human life or health.
• Full life cycle management of the substance (Track 2) under the Toxic Substances Management Policy

Source(s)

This substance is entering the environment from the following source(s):

• Chemical Industry
• Environmental Emergency
• Vehicles, Engines and Fuels

Risk Management Tool(s)

Tool(s) developed to manage risks associated with the substance:

• Off-Road Compression-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations
• CCPA And Governments Of Canada, Ontario And Alberta Memorandum Of Understanding For Environmental Protection Through Action Under CCPA Responsible Care®
• Environmental Emergency Regulations
• On-Road Vehicle and Engine Emission Regulations
• Off-Road Small Spark-Ignition Engine Emission Regulations

Other Information

• National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) - Information Centre
• North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation Web Site
• Residential indoor air quality guideline for formaldehyde
• Proposed residential indoor air quality guideline for formaldehyde

Contact

Substances Management Information Line
Chemicals Management Plan
Gatineau, QC K1A 0H3

Telephone: 1-800-567-1999  (in Canada) or 819-938-3232
Fax: 819-938-3231
E-mail: eccc.substances.eccc@canada.ca

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