Health risk assessment: Formaldehyde and heavy metals in finger paints
Please note: As of 1 July 2025, the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) is the new name for the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR). Research and reports published prior to this date may reference the organisation’s former name.
Summary
The purpose of this report is to develop a generic health risk assessment for exposure to formaldehyde and heavy metals from the use of finger paints by children (up to 3 years of age). This report only considers domestic, non-occupational, incidental exposure to formaldehyde and heavy metals from this route of exposure. Exposure scenarios were developed for the most common or likely exposure events.