Formaldehyde (in Cigs)

Formaldehyde (also known as methanal), is a gas at room temperature and has a strong pungent smell. Its chemical formula is H₂CO. It is soluble in water, and it is commonly sold as a 37% solution in water under trade names such as formalin or formol.

Formaldehyde is used a preservative in medical laboratories, as an embalming fluid, and as a sterilizer. Non-medical uses of this chemical include the the production of resins, and as a chemical intermediate.

When present in the air at levels at or above 0.1 ppm, formaldehyde can lead to acute health effects, such as watery eyes; burning sensations in the eyes, nose and throat; nausea; coughing; chest tightness; wheezing; skin rashes; and other irritating effects. Formaldehyde can affect people in various ways. Sensitive people can experience symptoms at levels below 0.1 ppm.

Note that the list of chemicals included in this section (see the list on the left) is not a complete list of all the substances found in cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products.