Registration Dossier
Registration Dossier
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EC number: 200-001-8 | CAS number: 50-00-0
Endpoint summary
Administrative data
Description of key information
The atmospheric half-life of formaldehyde, based on hydroxyl radical reaction rate constants, is calculated to be 1.7 days. The substance does not contain hydrolyzable groups and is readily biodegradable.
Additional information
When released into the atmosphere, formaldehyde may be degraded by direct or indirect phototransformation. Reaction with the hydroxyl radical is considered to be the most important photooxidation process. The atmospheric half-life of formaldehyde, based on hydroxyl radical reaction rate constants, is calculated to be 1.7 days.
When released to water and to a minor degree to soil, biological activites by bacteria will eliminate formaldehyde rapidly as based on results of biodegradability tests. Therefore, phototransformation in water or soil are expected to be of minor importance. Furthermore, studies on the phototransformation in water or soil are not required for a registration under REACH. Formaldehyde undergoes, essentially complete hydration to yield the gem-diol, methylene glycol. Equilibrium almost totally favours the glycol; less than 0.04% by weight of unhydrated formaldehyde is found in highly concentrated solutions (WHO, 2002; Environment Canada, 2001).
Information on Registered Substances comes from registration dossiers which have been assigned a registration number. The assignment of a registration number does however not guarantee that the information in the dossier is correct or that the dossier is compliant with Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (the REACH Regulation). This information has not been reviewed or verified by the Agency or any other authority. The content is subject to change without prior notice.
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