Formaldehyde is a natural part of our world!

It is is used in the production of hundreds of beneficial products that are used every day in the home and by industry.

Formaldehyde is a chemical compound with the formula CH2O.

Formaldehyde, the Simple Molecule

Formaldehyde is a simple chemical compound made of hydrogen, oxygen and carbon, with the formula CH2O. All organic life forms--bacteria, plants, fish, animals and humans--make formaldehyde at various levels. Formaldehyde does not accumulate in the environment or within plants, animals or people, as metabolic processes quickly break it down in the body and the atmosphere.

First used as a biological preservative more than a century ago, formaldehyde has since become an essential part of the production of hundreds of beneficial products that are used every day in homes and factories. Formaldehyde-based technologies are an important part of the U.S. economy, as they are used to produce a wide range of materials. Learn more


WHAT'S NEW


  ACC Applauds Congressional Action to Improve Chemical Risk Assessments

  Graphic Illustrates Problems with EPA's Formaldehyde Risk Assessment

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Formaldehyde Resources

View the latest quick facts and related links about formaldehyde and its uses.



Testifying before Congress on EPA's chemical safety assessment program
» Download Testimony

This simple molecule plays an invaluable role, its benefits have been improving our lives for more than a century.