Formalin and HUMAN health

[Spare time]

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

I don't think ingestion is the way people would be exposed. I'd think that its from skin contact that is the issue. No one is downing their fish meds lol

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

No one is downing their fish meds lol

Well, not lately anyway...

 

[Spare time]

Well, not lately anyway...

I forgot about that lol

 

[MnFish1]

I don't think ingestion is the way people would be exposed. I'd think that its from skin contact that is the issue. No one is downing their fish meds lol

I have been exposed to formalin/formaldehyde - in anatomy class. I can still remember the smell day after day - and the whole rest of the day. The reason I would not care to use the products (I'll rephrase) - unless absolutely necessary, it that most of the companies making the products do not list the percent of formalin in their product.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I have been exposed to formalin/formaldehyde - in anatomy class. I can still remember the smell day after day - and the whole rest of the day. The reason I would not care to use the products (I'll rephrase) - unless absolutely necessary, it that most of the companies making the products do not list the percent of formalin in their product.

Inhalation seems to be the primary issue with formaldehyde (as evidenced by concerns about urea formaldehyde foam in insulation).

I used to work for a fish wholesaler that used formalin as a net dip. I still remember how my eyes would tear up and my nose would run while I was rinsing nets.....I was 14 at the time.

Jay

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

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.

Yes - that could be a concern, but acute death from not using formalin by the disease is a more critical issue IMO.

One thing that I disagree with is the comment I hear once in awhile that "most fish treated with formalin die within two years". That gets repeated ad-nauseum, but it is not true. There is NO evidence of latent mortality, even with high dose formalin baths (I've done thousands of those over the past 40 years).

Jay

 

[Chrisv.]

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.

You mean Humblefish, right? Since he was one who promoted it?

 

[vetteguy53081]

I don't think ingestion is the way people would be exposed. I'd think that its from skin contact that is the issue. No one is downing their fish meds lol

To clarify ingestion, as MnFish and I both in medical field, When formaldehyde is in the air at levels abive 0.1 ppm, some persons may experience adverse effects such as watery eyes; burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat; coughing; wheezing; nausea; and skin irritation.
amAt higher levels can have more adverse effects

 

[ReefGeezer]

I still use formalin baths in my acclimation process into my DT. It's pretty simple to handle safely. Done correctly, these baths have no ill effects on the fish.

 

[MnFish1]

To clarify ingestion, as MnFish and I both in medical field, When formaldehyde is in the air at levels abive 0.1 ppm, some persons may experience adverse effects such as watery eyes; burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat; coughing; wheezing; nausea; and skin irritation.
amAt higher levels can have more adverse effects

Agree - It can be absorbed through the skin - or when inhaled (or when drank - which very few people would do). Now (as compared to when I did anatomy, full PPE is required during the class - nitrile gloves, surgical gown, mask and eye protection). In Boy Scouts - we used to collect insects - and mount them - the killing was done by mixing formaldehyde in plaster - letting it harden in a mason jar - and then putting the insect in - which quickly died.

Lots of people are also 'paranoid' about formaldehyde (unreasonably so) - my daughters roommate - for example - will not go into a carpeted house (a house carpeted 10 years ago) - due to 'formaldehyde off-gassing. If it is used properly - there is no risk.

 

[Spare time]

To clarify ingestion, as MnFish and I both in medical field, When formaldehyde is in the air at levels abive 0.1 ppm, some persons may experience adverse effects such as watery eyes; burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat; coughing; wheezing; nausea; and skin irritation.
amAt higher levels can have more adverse effects

Haha I was like who is doing formaldehyde shots around here. Maybe it's good with some lime juice and tequila?

 

[vetteguy53081]

Haha I was like who is doing formaldehyde shots around here. Maybe it's good with some lime juice and tequila?

Hold the Tequilla for tomorrow- Cinco de Mayo