Formic acid

Manufactured for leather/textile processing, rubber, and silage preservation; used in beekeeping to control mites; present naturally in ants/nettles; also formed in air from vehicle and solvent emissions. [1]

Breathing vapors during cleaning or at work; skin/eye splashes; accidental swallowing; low indoor levels can come from consumer products. [1][2]

Strong irritant/corrosive—can cause skin burns and serious eye damage; breathing high levels can trigger coughing, chest tightness, and lung injury; large doses can lead to metabolic acidosis. [1][2]

Workers handling formic acid (leather/textiles, rubber, agriculture/silage, metal cleaning, labs, beekeeping); people with asthma or chronic lung disease; children if products are accessible. [1][2]

Use in well‑ventilated areas; wear chemical‑resistant gloves and eye protection; never mix with bleach or other cleaners; follow labels/SDS; store tightly closed and out of reach; at work, use local exhaust and PPE. [1][2]