Formaldehyde (in Cigs)

Formaldehyde is one of the many chemicals present in cigarettes.

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.

See also:

• Info from the US Environmental Protection Agency
• Formaldehyde and Cancer

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.

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