Formaldehyde (CH₂O)

Description:

Formaldehyde (CH₂O) is a colorless, pungent-smelling substance that is gaseous at room temperature. Formaldehyde was originally used as a preservative. As one of the most important basic organic substances in the chemical industry, demand rose drastically with the discovery of plastics.

According to the assessment of the European Union, formaldehyde may cause cancer or increase the incidence of cancer.

Today, formaldehyde is an important starting material for many chemical compounds - for example adhesives and plastics. If these are burned, it is released. CH₂O is highly water-soluble. The aqueous solution is called formalin and is used as a preservative and disinfectant.

In the past, many wood products were heavily treated with it, such as chipboard and plywood. These materials regularly off-gas formaldehyde. Modern adhesives largely do without formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde limit values:

The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has set the tolerable concentration for CH₂O at 0.1 ppm (equivalent to 124 µg/m³). The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a lower value of 0.08 ppm (0.1 mg/m³). A MAK value (maximum workplace concentration) of 0.3 ppm (0.37 mg/m³) applies. This MAK value will in future be replaced by a lower workplace exposure limit (AGW value) (as of: January 2020).

Formation of formaldehyde:

Formaldehyde is formed, for example, in mammalian cells as an intermediate product of metabolism. The blood of mammals constantly contains two to three milligrams of formaldehyde per liter. In humans too, approximately 50 grams of the substance are formed per day and are also quickly broken down again. With every breath, a human excretes approximately 0.001 to 0.01 mg/m³ of it.

Formaldehyde occurs naturally in fruits such as apples or grapes, which means it is also absorbed through daily food. Formaldehyde is also a natural component of wood and diffuses outward in small amounts.

Formaldehyde is also formed during incomplete combustion and other oxidation processes of longer-chain organic substances – such as methane and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Formaldehyde is also formed during smoking.

Formaldehyde is further formed in the atmosphere through photooxidation (of methane) and has a concentration there of approximately 1 ppb (parts per billion).

Industrially, CH₂O is produced by the so-called catalytic oxidation of methanol.

Effects of exposure:

Formaldehyde can cause allergies, respiratory or eye irritation, as well as skin irritation on direct contact with liquid solutions. There is a risk to life from a concentration of 30 mg/m³. The substance can affect memory and the ability to concentrate, as well as cause sleep disturbances.

If formaldehyde, or its precursor methanol, is ingested in low-quality alcoholic beverages, methanol is converted via formaldehyde into formic acid. Formaldehyde itself very readily destroys retinal proteins, which can lead to blindness.

Formaldehyde is classified as carcinogenic and mutagenic.

Formaldehyde forms explosive mixtures with air (oxygen) from a concentration of 7 vol.% (87 g/m³) (= lower explosion limit (LEL)).

Sensor used:

Formaldehyde is measured by means of an electrochemical sensor. Molecules that "dock" onto the surface of the sensor cause a change in the electric current in the sensor. The advantage of our sensor is the individual sensitivity calibration by the manufacturer and its very low cross-sensitivity to temperature and humidity.

Formaldehyde measuring device

A formaldehyde measuring device, also known as an HCHO meter, is an important instrument for monitoring the concentration of formaldehyde indoors. Formaldehyde is a volatile organic substance found in many household products such as furniture, paints and adhesives. Long-term exposure to high formaldehyde levels can cause health problems such as respiratory diseases and irritation of the mucous membranes. It is therefore crucial to regularly check the formaldehyde concentration in your home or office.

An HCHO meter such as the air-⁠Q Basic Formaldehyde Special allows you to precisely measure formaldehyde levels in the air and ensure that they remain within safe limits. Our reliable formaldehyde measuring device stands out for its accuracy, ease of use and fast response time.

Using a formaldehyde measuring device is simple and requires no special expertise. Place the device in the area you want to monitor and follow the further instructions. The air-⁠Q formaldehyde meter especially stands out for the ability to evaluate the collected measurement data using a computer or smartphone and the associated free app. This allows air-⁠Q to enable continuous monitoring and analysis of air quality.

By using our device and app, you can proactively take measures to reduce formaldehyde exposure, for example by using air purifiers or choosing low-emission materials. This way you protect not only your own health but also that of your family, and create a safe and pleasant indoor climate. Create a healthy and safe living and working environment.

Measuring formaldehyde:

Measure the formaldehyde concentration and other components and pollutants of indoor air in real time to safeguard your health and performance. Here you can order the air-⁠Q as an air quality measuring device.