What does formaldehyde smell like?
Disease description:
Just moved into a new home, and my friends said there's a slight odor. What does formaldehyde smell like?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Mingxuan
Formaldehyde is a strongly irritating gas with an odor similar to gasoline. Initial symptoms of formaldehyde poisoning include eye irritation, tearing, sore throat, chest tightness, coughing, and shortness of breath. As the severity of poisoning increases, symptoms may progress to pulmonary edema, coma, shock, and swelling of the throat. In cases of formaldehyde poisoning, wash the skin, eyes, and any other exposed areas with water or saline solution as directed by a physician. During this period, patients exhibiting symptoms of hypoxia should inhale 2% sodium bicarbonate under medical supervision.
