Sources of formaldehyde:
(1) industrial resin production (urea-formaldehyde, phenol-formaldehyde, polyacetal, melamine-formaldehyde, others) which may be used to produce adhesives and binders
(2) other chemical synthesis (plastic production, other)
(3) combustion of organic materials including home cooking, ciagarette smoke and automobile emissions
(4) air pollution
(5) endogenous by mammals
(6) intentional use as a fixative for anatomic pathology, embalming agent, disinfectant or preservative
Formaldehyde may be released from:
(1) wood products, furniture and building supplies
(2) pulp and paper
(3) plastics and synthetic fibers
(4) textiles
Occupations at risk of long-term exposure:
(1) firefighter
(2) pathologists and laboratory personnel
(3) chemical plant worker
(4) farmers
(5) morticians
(6) tunnel workers
(7) wood workers
(8) construction workers
plus many others
