formaldehyde was one of the main treatments for footrot in sheep. It helped dry out the feet and kill any bacteria present. Generally it didn't cause any problems to the people using it even though it was recognised as being a toxic chemical nd had a very pungent odour. Zinc sulphate does a similar job without the smell. At times my hands become dry and cracked after handling fencing wire, it is the zinc that does it. The reaction to materials such as this depends on the individual, they will have no effect on most people, but some people will have some allergic reaction.
