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