Formaldehyde (H2CO or HCHO) is a colorless, flammable and strong smelling volatile organic compound. Formaldehyde is composed of one carbon atom with single bonds to two hydrogen atoms and a double bond to an oxygen atom.
Formaldehyde is all around us. Industrial emissions, traffic, cooking, smoking and building materials are sources of HCHO. Also many everyday products, such as cosmetics, furniture, paper products and detergents contain formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is also naturally created through brushfires and volcanoes.
Formaldehyde is an important precursor to many other materials and chemical compounds. It is found in household products and composite wood, which can contain and emit H2CO. High levels of formaldehyde are often found in new homes or homes with new construction. Treated wood, insulation, carpeting, paints, glues and cabinets all contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including formaldehyde that will evaporate or off-gas into the air.
Formaldehyde exposure is a special concern for sensitive people, such as children, elderly, pregnant women and people with breathing problems. If you are more sensitive to formaldehyde and are exposed to more of it for a longer time, you are more likely to have symptoms of formaldehyde allergy.
As a toxic and volatile compound, formaldehyde exposure can cause sore throat, cough, nausea, eye irritation, nosebleeds, asthmatic attacks and even cancer.
It is vital to monitor formaldehyde concentrations in both indoors and outdoors to prevent harmful exposure. Gasera offers a unique easy-to-use solution for monitoring low levels of formaldehyde in homes, workplaces and ambient air.
Related products and applications:
GASERA ONE FORMALDEHYDE
GASERA ONE PULSE
MULTIPOINT SAMPLER
10 FACTS ABOUT FORMALDEHYDE (HCHO)
