Most people don't have any health problems from small amounts of formaldehyde in their homes. As levels increase, some people have breathing problems or irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, or skin from formaldehyde exposure in their homes.

Should I be concerned about formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde exposure may potentially cause a variety of symptoms and adverse health effects, such as eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation, coughing, wheezing, and allergic reactions. Long- term exposure to high levels of formaldehyde has been associated with cancer in humans and laboratory animals.

Is it safe to use products with formaldehyde?

It gets dicey because the FDA doesn't regulate the use of formaldehyde in skincare, says Hartman. ... The good news is that with most products, the levels of formaldehyde released into the air—because, again, it's most dangerous when inhaled—are very low.