Formalin
Formaldehyde is a formic aldehyde or methanol, HCHO, a powerful disinfectant gas obtained by the oxidation of methyl alcohol. The aqueous solution is a colorless, volatile fluid, used as a surgical and general antiseptic and as a preservative. It is also employed as a reagent, which is a substance used for the detection of another substance by chemical, microscopical, or other means.
Uses of Formaldehyde:
Intermediate in the synthesis of alcohol’s, acids and other chemicals.
Used in the formulation of slow release nitrogen fertilizers, and as an herbicide, additional agent in concrete, plaster & related products impermeable to liquids, component parts of wallboard used in construction, glues, varnishes.
Tanning agent, used as a deodorant & antiseptic in dentifrice’s, used in nail polish and undercoating, mouth-washes, germicidal and detergent soaps & fabric softeners, hair setting gels, shampoos, air deodorant, in preparation of fireproofing compositions in fabrics, insecticide, synthesis of Vitamin A and improving the activity of vitamin preparation.
Used in combination with alcohol, glycerol, and phenol in embalming fluids. Also a preservative in waxes, polishes, adhesives, fats, oils, and anatomical specimens.
Improves wet strength and water resistance of paper products
Used in natural and synthetic fibers crease-resistant, wrinkle-resistant, crush-proof, water repellent, dye-fast, flame-resistant, shrink-proof, moth-proof and more elastic.
NOTE: Formaldehyde usually accounts for about 50% of the estimated formaldehydes in air pollution. The major sources of formaldehyde pollution are in the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons in gasoline and diesel engines.
Sources of Formaldehyde:
- Adhesives
- Antifreezes
- Beverages (beer, wine)
- Burning of gas, oil, wood, coal, kerosene, diesel fuel
- Carpets and carpet pads
- Cleaning solutions/detergents/laundry starches
- Clothing of polyester and/or artificial silk
- Construction adhesives
- Cosmetics (mouthwash, toothpaste, deodorants, nail polish, nail hardeners, shampoos)
- Disinfectants, bactericides, fungicides, germicides, deodorizers
- Dry-cleaning compounds
- Embalming fluids
- Explosives
- Exterior plywood
- Fabric dyes
- Fabrics (wrinkle-proof, water-resistant, dye-fast, flame-resistant, moth-resistant, shrink-proof, elastic)
- Fertilizers
- Furniture cabinets
- Gas appliances
- Gelatin capsules
- Hair-growing products; hair-setting lotions
- Household waxes and oils
- Industrial air pollution
- Inks
- Insect repellents, pesticides and rodent poison
- Insulation–Urea formaldehyde foam (UFFI), fiberglass
- Jute or hemp fiber (carpet backing, burlap, area rugs, rope, twine)
- Laminating materials
- Leather-tanning agents
- Maple syrup (use Canadian, not USA to avoid this)
- Newsprint
- Paints, finger paints, enamels, tempera paints, lacquers, varnish removers, wood preservatives, wood stains, wood veneers
- Particle board, chipboard, interior plywood, wood paneling
- Perfume
- Pharmaceuticals
- Phenol formaldehyde resin
- Photographic chemicals and film
- Plaster, stucco, wallboard, concrete, Bakelite, cellophane
- Plastics, plastic cleaners
- Shoe polish
- Tissues (facial) and toilet paper
- Tobacco smoke, tobacco
- Upholstery fabrics and finishes (permanent-press, water-repellent, dye-fast, flame-resistant, water-resistant, shrink-proof, moth-proof, mildew-proof)
- Upholstery foam
- Vitamin E and A preparations
- Wallpaper
- Wines
Formaldehyde test kits are available from the Northeast Center for Environmental Medicine, 2800 W. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13219. Telephone: (315) 488-2856
