Is Formaldehyde safe during pregnancy?
Avoid products that contain or release formaldehyde into the air, like some keratin smoothing treatments and nail hardeners.
What the sources say
FDA warns hair smoothing products can release formaldehyde (also listed as formalin or methylene glycol) as a gas when heated, irritating eyes, nose and lungs. NIEHS and NCI classify formaldehyde as a known human carcinogen. MotherToBaby notes studies of people who work around formaldehyde suggested a higher chance of miscarriage and advises not using products that release it into the air. Breastfeeding: little is expected in milk with typical use, but avoid heated treatments and ventilate.
Also listed as
formalin, formic aldehyde, methanal, methanediol, methylene glycol, oxymethylene, paraformaldehyde
Sources
- FDA: Hair Smoothing Products That Release Formaldehyde When Heated
- FDA: Nail Care Products
- MotherToBaby: Hair Treatments
- MotherToBaby: Working in a Nail Salon
- NIH NIEHS: Formaldehyde
- NIH NCI: Formaldehyde and Cancer Risk
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.