Formaldehyde (molecular formula: HCHO) is colorless and has a pungent, irritating odour. As a toxicant, it can also interact with proteins. So inhaling of high concentration of formaldehyde may lead to severe irritation and inflammability to respiratory tract, eye irritation, headache, bronchus and asthma. Furthermore, dermatitis, stains and necrosis would be caused if it comes in direct contact with the skin.
 Formaldehyde is easily dissolved in water, alcohol and ether. Its water solution with 35% to 40% formaldehyde is also known as “formalin”, which is commonly applied as a preservative. In addition, it is widely applied as reactants in finishing auxiliaries for textiles, such as resin finishing agents, fixing agent, softener and bender. In our daily life, we may find formaldehyde present in synthetic textiles, garments, leather, bedding and curtains.

Products involved: cosmetics & hygienic products, toys, stationery and children’s products, textiles, footwear and luggage.

Regulations:
EU Safety of toys EN 71-9
Oeko-Tex®Standard 100
China GB 18401 National General Safety Technical Code for Textile Products
Other related regulations
 
Formaldehyde Restrictions:

Safety of toys EN 71-9	Textiles of toys:≤30mg/kg
	Paper:≤30mg/kg
	Plywood parts shall not release more than 80mg/kg formaldehyde
Oeko-Tex®Standard 100	Products for babies (under 36 months of age, excluding leather articles): ND
	Products with direct contact to skin:≤75mg/kg
	Products without direct contact to skin(or with only a little part of their surface in direct contact with the skin):≤300mg/kg
	Decoration material:≤300mg/kg
GB 18401	A type（Products for babies）：≤20mg/kg
	B type（Products with direct contact to skin）：≤75mg/kg
	C type（products without direct contact to skin）：≤300mg/kg