What is the short-term exposure limit (STEL) for formaldehyde?

The short-term exposure limit (STEL) for formaldehyde is established as a maximum permissible concentration that workers can be exposed to over a brief period. This concept helps mitigate the risk of acute health effects that can occur with short, intense exposures to hazardous substances. For formaldehyde, the STEL is defined as 15 minutes, which is the duration over which exposure should not exceed a specific concentration to ensure safety and minimize health risks.

By setting the STEL at this specific timeframe, regulatory agencies aim to protect workers from potential acute effects, such as irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as more serious health issues that can develop from high levels of exposure. Understanding the STEL is crucial in environments where formaldehyde might be used, as it informs safety protocols and exposure monitoring to maintain worker health.