甲醛为较高毒性的物质，在我国有毒化学品优先控制名单上甲醛高居第二位。甲醛已经被世界卫生组织确定为 致癌和致 畸形物质，是公认的变态反应源，也是潜在的强致突变物之一。研究表明，甲醛具有强烈的致癌和促癌作用。甲醛对人体健康的影响主要表现在嗅觉异常、刺激、过敏、肺功能异常、肝功能异常和免疫功能异常等方面。其浓度在每立方米空气中达到0．06-0．07mg/立方米 时，儿童就会发生轻微气喘。当室内空气中甲醛含量为0.1mg/立方米 时， 就有异味和不适感；达到0.5mg/立方米 时，可刺激眼睛，引起流泪；达0.6mg/立方米 ，可引起咽喉不适或疼痛。浓度更高时，可引起恶心呕吐，咳嗽胸闷，气喘甚至肺水肿；达到30mg/立方米 时，会立即致人死亡。
Formaldehyde is a highly toxic substance, ranking second in the priority list of toxic chemicals in China. Formaldehyde has been identified as carcinogen and teratogen by WHO. It is recognized as an allergy source and one of potential strong mutagens. Research shows that formaldehyde has strong carcinogenic and carcinogenic effects. The main effects of formaldehyde on human health are abnormal smell, stimulation, allergy, abnormal lung function, abnormal liver function and abnormal immune function. When the concentration reaches 0.06-0.07mg/m3 in air, children will have slight asthma. When the formaldehyde content in indoor air is 0.1mg/m3, there will be peculiar smell and discomfort; when it reaches 0.5mg/m3, it can stimulate eyes and cause tears; when it reaches 0.6mg/m3, it can cause throat discomfort or pain. When the concentration is higher, it can cause nausea and vomiting, cough and chest tightness, asthma and even pulmonary edema; when it reaches 30mg / m3, it will immediately cause death.