Formalin and HUMAN health

[mcgullen]

We all understand that formalin a dangerous chemical with serious cancer and leukemia risks. See https://genesenvironment.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41021-021-00183-5

Should we be worried about fume or splash exposure when preparing and performing formalin bath for sick fish? How best to protect ourselves?

 

[Woodyman]

Industry standards typically require gloves, safety glasses, apron/lab coat, and use of a fume hood.

Formalin like acid use should not be underestimated. Properly protect yourself and your family when using it.

Sure you won't have any immediate effects, and a little here and there may not actually harm you, but continuous exposure without proper PPE can lead to health issues.

I'd use a fan preferably vented to outdoors whenever using, and at least a pair of gloves, extra PPE isn't going to harm you, but not enough will.

 

[vetteguy53081]

We all understand that formalin a dangerous chemical with serious cancer and leukemia risks. See https://genesenvironment.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41021-021-00183-5

Should we be worried about fume or splash exposure when preparing and performing formalin bath for sick fish? How best to protect ourselves?

No and although formaldehyde based is at a max 37% solution and diluted
Obviously you don’t want to ingest it
Often in the hobby, quick cure and ruby reef is used as a formalin BASED medication

 

[Woodyman]

No and although formaldehyde based is at a max 37% solution and diluted
Obviously you don’t want to ingest it
Often in the hobby, quick cure and ruby reef is used as a formalin BASED medication

Big difference between formalin and formalin based.

Also big difference between buying straight formalin and diluting yourself and buying a pre-diluted solution. The more dilute the lower the hazard level, although it still exists. Exposure to straight formalin and 1% formalin is not the same thing..

Also exposure amount and frequency is key here.

A one time inhalation or drop of formalin on your hands will more than likely not lead to any health hazards.

However, continuous long term exposure will. Even when diluted.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

We all understand that formalin a dangerous chemical with serious cancer and leukemia risks. See https://genesenvironment.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s41021-021-00183-5

Should we be worried about fume or splash exposure when preparing and performing formalin bath for sick fish? How best to protect ourselves?

Yes, proper PPE always needs to be used when handling formalin. In my younger days I didn’t, and I know now that my risk for health problems is higher.

Worse are fish medications sold with no ingredients listed, or if they do list, concentration isn’t given. Very often, you cannot find an SDS on the product!

Jay

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

No and although formaldehyde based is at a max 37% solution and diluted...

This is incorrect and misleading. The definition of FORMALIN is SATURATED (37%) FORMALDEHYDE SOLUTION. Formaldehyde is a gas. So "37% formaldehyde based" is 100% formalin.

 

[Harold999]

I always do dangerous stuff in the kitchen under the exhaust hood.
Use gloves and you're okay.

 

[Woodyman]

I always do dangerous stuff in the kitchen under the exhaust hood.
Use gloves and you're okay.

While most likely true, it's advised to take the 10 extra seconds and throw on a pair of safety glasses as well.

Just watch out for the wife as well, that might be more hazardous than everything else if you mess up the kitchen...

 

[Harold999]

While most likely true, it's advised to take the 10 extra seconds and throw on a pair of safety glasses as well.

Just watch out for the wife as well, that might be more hazardous than everything else if you mess up the kitchen...

When i clean bristles with paint thinner under the hood in the kitchen i'm not asking permission from the wife, the same as with using formalin or other dangerous stuff. I just do it.

 

[Woodyman]

When i clean bristles with paint thinner under the hood i'm not asking permission from the wife, the same as with using formalin or other dangerous stuff. I just do it.

I don't like living that dangerously, that's too close to the sun for my comfort level.

 

[2000se]

I have moved away from using formalin and started using hydrogen peroxide baths instead.

 

[2000se]

I don't like living that dangerously, that's too close to the sun for my comfort level.

Me either. I never do anything like that in the house. Heck, I even wear PPE when spraying my grass or spreading insecticides.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Although not exhaustive, here is an excerpt from my fish disease book about medications:

Follow these safety measures at all times:
● Discard all outdated medications.
● Keep all aquarium chemicals out of the reach of children.
● Do not repeat antibiotic therapies indiscriminately (to avoid the development of resistant strains of bacteria).
● Keep all drugs in their original, labeled containers.
● Avoid using Chloramphenicol, as it can cause aplastic anemia in some people.
● Avoid using organophosphate insecticides such as Trichloron (Dylox). These are too toxic to humans for safe use.
● Always use appropriate personal protective equipment (dust mask, eye protection, gloves, etc.)

Jay

 

[Woodyman]

Me either. I never do anything like that in the house. Heck, I even wear PPE when spraying my grass or spreading insecticides.

My wife is more dangerous than all the chemicals I've handled over the years!

 

[MnFish1]

Personally I would not use formaldehyde in my house. Anyone can do what they want. - based on the label of the product they purchased

 

[vetteguy53081]

Personally I would not use formaldehyde in my house. Anyone can do what they want. - based on the label of the product they purchased

Agreed why I stated Formalin based

 

[MnFish1]

Agreed why I stated Formalin based

I will rephrase it - I would not use formalin in my house

"Both formalin and formaldehyde have the same chemical formula, which is represented by CH2O. But there are some differences in their physical state and chemical activities. Basically, formaldehyde is a colorless, water-soluble, flammable gas at room temperature with a sharp, irritating smell. However, formalin is a liquid, which is prepared by mixing formaldehyde gas and water. This is the main difference between formalin and formaldehyde. Generally, a saturated solution of formalin contains about 40% (by volume) or 37% (by weight) of formaldehyde gas and a stabilizer to prevent formaldehyde polymerization."

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

I will rephrase it - I would not use formalin in my house

"Both formalin and formaldehyde have the same chemical formula, which is represented by CH2O. But there are some differences in their physical state and chemical activities. Basically, formaldehyde is a colorless, water-soluble, flammable gas at room temperature with a sharp, irritating smell. However, formalin is a liquid, which is prepared by mixing formaldehyde gas and water. This is the main difference between formalin and formaldehyde. Generally, a saturated solution of formalin contains about 40% (by volume) or 37% (by weight) of formaldehyde gas and a stabilizer to prevent formaldehyde polymerization."

Yep. VG is still under the impression that the "37%" means it's diluted.
Smh...

 

[Harold999]

Personally I would not use formaldehyde in my house. Anyone can do what they want. - based on the label of the product they purchased

In some threads here on R2R people promote the use of formalin as a standard routine during fish quarantaine.
What they do to themselves is their own choice, i'm worried about the fish.

 

[mcgullen]

I feel there should be more understanding on the dangers of formalin and malachite green, and of products containing them.

These chemicals are dangerous on a whole other level and very well understood to cause devastating illness like cancer and leukemia. This is not a case where one could say "well, anything is lethal at high enough concentrations" and shrug it off.

Especially formalin, which releases formaldehyde vapor and could endanger an entire household. It would indeed be unfortunate if someone insists on eating all organic food from Wholefoods etc. and be otherwise ultra health conscious, then go into his/her garage tending to fish in a plume of formaldehyde.