e.g. Benzene, DEHP, 71-43-2, BPA, phthalate

    Formaldehyde

    Chemical structure of PubChem CID 712

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    Chemical Substance Information

    • PubChem CID: 712
    • CAS: 50-00-0
    • UN NO: 2213
    • EC NO: 200-001-8
    • Safety Data Sheet: Link
    • SMILES: C=O

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    Assessment Type Carcinogenicity Mutagenicity Reproductive Toxicity Developmental Toxicity Endocrine Disruption
    Hazard Assessment Level
    High
    Medium
    Insufficient data
    for classification
    Insufficient data
    for classification
    High
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    Assessment Type Acute Toxicity Systemic Toxicity - Single Dose Systemic Toxicity - Repeated Dose Neurotoxicity - Single Dose Skin Sensitization Respiratory Sensitization Skin Irritation Eye Irritation
    Hazard Assessment Level
    Very High
    Medium
    Insufficient data
    for classification
    Insufficient data
    for classification
    High
    High
    Very High
    Very High
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    Assessment Type Acute Aquatic Toxicity Chronic Aquatic Toxicity
    Hazard Assessment Level
    High
    Medium
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    Assessment Type Persistence Bioaccumulation
    Hazard Assessment Level
    Very High
    Insufficient data
    for classification
    Assessment Type Reactivity Flammability
    Hazard Assessment Level
    Insufficient data
    for classification
    Very High
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    Hazard Diagnostic Modules

    The Hazard Diagnostic Module consists of the following four computational chemistry methods. The predicted toxicity alerts are for reference only and should be evaluated together with other available data.

    1. Substructure Alerts
    2. Similarity Alerts
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    Safer Alternatives

    Safer alternatives are referenced from current safer chemical databases and software logic, divided into the following three categories:

    1. The system compiles industrial uses of chemicals from the US EPA ChemView database and integrates them with the US EPA Safer Chemical Ingredients to create a safer alternatives list for each chemical. Chemicals may have multiple industrial uses, so the system uses an accordion-style display. Click the 'Suggested Safer Alternatives' tab to expand the table. If the use is broad (e.g., 'Commercial use'), the list may include more specific uses (e.g., 'Solvent'). If no information is available, refer to 'By Industrial Use (Full List)' for manual filtering.
    2. Categorized by industrial use (full list). This list contains safer chemicals for industrial uses, not necessarily replacements for the chemical on this page. You may filter by industrial use via the search bar at the top right of this tab, e.g., filter by 'Antioxidants'. Source: Safer Chemical Ingredients List
    3. Categorized by structural similarity, requiring:
      • Find chemicals with similar functional groups based on structural similarity (Tanimoto coefficient ≥ 0.8), likely having similar functions.
      • Chemicals identified as lower risk by risk assessment, such as level 3, level 4, or insufficient data.
      Practical substitution feasibility still requires domain knowledge and reference to physicochemical properties. For insufficient data (U), it means current hazard and risk assessment information is limited; thus, selection should be cautious and toxicology studies should be reviewed.
    4. Based on real-world case studies. Source: OECD SAAT

    Based on substructure, the system lists chemicals with risk levels 3 (usable but safer alternatives may be sought), 4 (safer chemicals), or insufficient data (U: not enough data to determine risk level). Information

    Name CAS Industrial Use Safety Risk Level Data Source Notes

    Name CAS Industrial Use Safety Risk Level Data Source Notes

    Name CAS Industrial Use Safety Risk Level Data Source Notes

    Name CAS Industrial Use Safety Risk Level Data Source Notes

    Name CAS Industrial Use Safety Risk Level Data Source Notes

    Name CAS Industrial Use Safety Risk Level Data Source Notes

    Name CAS Industrial Use Safety Risk Level Data Source Notes

    Name CAS Industrial Use Safety Risk Level Data Source Notes

    Name CAS Industrial Use Safety Risk Level Data Source Notes
    Name CAS Industrial Use Safety Notes
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    This chemical is not listed in the ZeroPM PFAS alternative assessment database.
    SUBSPORT+ substitution case stories

    Real-world substitution cases involving this chemical, from the SUBSPORT+ case story database (English records).

    Case Role of this chemical Alternative Sector Function Implementation Reason for substitution
    Substitution of formaldehyde as a tissue fixative Substituted
    • Ethanol (64-17-5)
    • Propan-2-ol (67-63-0)
    • Acetic acid (64-19-7)
    Health services Scientific research and development Embalming agent In use — France CMR skin/respiratory sensitizing
    Ionic liquids for tissue fixation instead of formalin Substituted
    • 1-Methyl-3-octyloxymethylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (350701-87-0)
    Health services Scientific research and development Fixing agent (mordant) 2003 in Poland CMR skin/respiratory sensitizing
    Substitution of formaldehyde in bathroom cleaning products Substituted
    • Sodium acetate (127-09-3)
    • Alcohols; C12-16, ethoxylated (68551-12-2)
    • Amides; coco, N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl], alkylation products with chloroacetic acid, sodium salts (70851-07-9)
    Manufacture of bulk, large scale chemicals (including petroleum products) Cleaning agent Full capacity — 2000 in Spain CMR skin/respiratory sensitizing other toxic effects
    Practical guide for the substitution of hazardous chemicals by less harmful substances in industrial facilities. Substituted Not stated Other Other CMR neurotoxicant skin/respiratory sensitizing physical hazards
    70% ethanol as an alternative to formalin in tissue fixation Substituted
    • Ethanol (64-17-5)
    Non-chemical alternative Snap freezing
    Health services Scientific research and development Durability agent Embalming agent CMR skin/respiratory sensitizing
    Substitution of formaldehyde by starch in adhesives used in the manufacture of wood particle boards Substituted
    • Starch (9005-25-8)
    Manufacture of wood and wood products Dispersing agent Resins (prepolymers) Tackifier Pilot study — 2011 en España CMR skin/respiratory sensitizing other toxic effects
    Alternative to formaldehyde in fluid preservation of biological specimens. Substituted
    • DMDM hydantoin (6440-58-0)
    Scientific research and development Embalming agent Pilot study CMR skin/respiratory sensitizing
    Alternative to formaldehyde as preservative in water samples Substituted
    • Ethanol (64-17-5)
    Non-chemical alternative Preservation (part) of biological samples by freezing.
    Electricity, steam, gas water supply and sewage treatment Scientific research and development Durability agent Embalming agent In use — France CMR skin/respiratory sensitizing other toxic effects physical hazards
    Formaldehyde free preservative for starch adhesives Substituted
    • Sodium chloride (7647-14-5)
    Non-chemical alternative Bio-active extract from un-ripened berries (in combination with sodium chloride).
    Printing and reproduction of recorded media Manufacture of bulk, large scale chemicals (including petroleum products) Manufacture of furniture Building and construction work Durability agent In use — USA CMR sensitizing
    Glues from renewable resources for panel board manufacture Substituted Not stated Manufacture of bulk, large scale chemicals (including petroleum products) Manufacture of wood and wood products Manufacture of furniture Building and construction work Adhesion promotor Pilot study — not yet implemented CMR skin/respiratory sensitizing
    Surface treatment panels for walls and ceilings Substituted
    • Distillates (petroleum), hydrotreated light paraffinic (64742-55-8)
    • 2-Amino-2-methylpropanol (124-68-5)
    Manufacture of wood and wood products Building and construction work Plating agent In use — 2011 CMR PBT skin/respiratory sensitizing ecotoxicity
    Surface treatment of plywood Substituted
    • Distillates (petroleum), hydrotreated light paraffinic (64742-55-8)
    • 2-Amino-2-methylpropanol (124-68-5)
    Manufacture of wood and wood products Building and construction work Plating agent In use — 2011 CMR skin/respiratory sensitizing PBT ecotoxicity
    Surface treatment in wood working industry Substituted
    • Distillates (petroleum), hydrotreated light paraffinic (64742-55-8)
    • 2-Amino-2-methylpropanol (124-68-5)
    Manufacture of wood and wood products Plating agent In use — 2011 CMR skin/respiratory sensitizing PBT ecotoxicity
    Skin care products without preservatives, using “active packaging” Substituted Non-chemical alternative The process for manufacturing and packaging of the products, as well as the type of package has been developed to eliminate the need for preservatives. Health services Other Fragrance pH regulating agent UV stabilizer Full capacity — 1970´s, Sweden other toxic effects ecotoxicity skin/respiratory sensitizing
    Microfiber mopping – cleaning without chemicals Substituted Non-chemical alternative Microfiber cleaning Other Cleaning agent Full capacity — 1995, Sweden CMR skin/respiratory sensitizing other toxic effects
    Metal processor changes surface polishing technology and replaces chemical emulsion Substituted Non-chemical alternative Metal surface grinder with a speed control system Manufacture of fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment Lubricating agent Other In use CMR physical hazards
    Five Chemicals Alternatives Assessment Study Substituted Not stated Other Other
    OECD SAAT alternative case studies

    Full list of OECD SAAT case studies (not filtered by chemical).

    Case Study Name Link Publish Date Publishing Organization Related Products Description