Final answer:
Formaldehyde and formalin are potent disinfectants used for sterilization and preservation but can cause severe skin and eye damage due to their high pH and reactive properties.
Step-by-step explanation:
Formaldehyde and its solutions like formalin, which is a 37% to 40% mixture of formaldehyde in water, are powerful tuberculocidal disinfectants. These substances are alkylating agents that work by modifying molecular structures such as proteins and nucleic acids, leading to the inactivation of enzymes and the death of microorganisms, thus providing sterilization benefits. The high pH and reactivity of these agents can cause severe damage to the skin and eyes upon contact. Due to their ability to coagulate proteins, formaldehyde and formalin are also employed in the preservation of biological specimens and embalming fluids, however, their toxicity and carcinogenic nature limit their use as antiseptics. In addition, formaldehyde is an ingredient in various products including Bakelite, fabrics, and building materials but is also recognized as a volatile organic compound (VOC) that can emit toxic gas.