Formaldehyde Detection Kit

Formaldehyde (methanal), H2C=O, is a colorless, flammable, strong-smelling gas. It is an important industrial chemical used to manufacture building materials and to produce many household products. In the US approximately 3 x 109 Kg are produced annually. Formaldehyde is commonly used as an industrial fungicide, germicide, and disinfectant, and as a preservative in mortuaries and medical laboratories. Materials containing formaldehyde can release formaldehyde gas or vapor into the air. Formaldehyde can also be released by burning wood, kerosene, natural gas, or cigarettes, from automobile emissions, and from natural processes. Occupational exposure to formaldehyde by inhalation is mainly from three types of sources: thermal or chemical decomposition of formaldehyde-based resins, formaldehyde emission from aqueous solutions (for example, embalming fluids), and the production of formaldehyde resulting from combustion. Formaldehyde can be toxic, allergenic, and carcinogenic. Because formaldehyde resins are used in many construction materials, it is one of the more common indoor air pollutants.