Formaldehyde is ubiquitous. It is one of 27 molecules identified in interstellar space in the Milky Way. It is used in embalming fluid, as a corrosion inhibitor in oil wells, in the leather tanning process, and in paper production. Fertilizers, fiberboard, pressed wood products, plywood, germicides, fungicides, detergents, cosmetics, textiles, paints, urethane resins, water softening chemicals, tobacco, deodorants, and adhesives all contain or utilize formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is used on a tremendous scale. Billions of pounds (estimated 1.4 million tons) are consumed annually in the United States alone.

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