Formaldehyde is found in a number of products. While most of these products contain a relatively low amount of the compound, others have a fairly strong concentration of formaldehyde. This is particularly true with products used in the course of scientific research and other professions where tissue is preserved in some manner. Formaldehyde exposure can lead to side effects that range from mild to life-threatening.
Many experts choose to classify various types of formaldehyde exposure into two different categories. Acute exposure is understood to be limited exposure that results in side effects that are short-term and usually easy to treat. By contrast, chronic formaldehyde exposure involves situations where the individual is exposed on a regular basis to the compound and has developed symptoms that are long-term and may even lead to permanent health issues.
Among the acute effects of formaldehyde exposure are irritations of the eyes, the nose, and the throat. When exposed to the compound for an appreciable length of time, the throat may feel raw and sore. At the same time, the eyes may begin to feel as if there is something grainy resting against each eyeball. Like the throat, the interior area of the nose may begin to feel raw and somewhat sore. Coughing and some trouble breathing may also be present until the individual is removed from the area where the formaldehyde is in use.