Formaldehyde - CH2O
Formaldehyde - CH2O
Main information on formaldehyde (CH2O) or " formic aldehyde " or "formol", its physical characteristics, its effects on health, the means of detecting it (CH2O gas detector) as well as the appropriate respiratory protection equipment (gas mask or assisted ventilation device with combined filter type B-P3).
Main characteristics of formaldehyde (CH2O)
Formaldehyde (CH2O) or " formic aldehyde " is a gas naturally present in incomplete combustions containing carbon (forest fires, thermal engines, tobacco smoke, etc.). It is found in many sectors of activity such as agriculture (insecticide), the wood industry (plywood panels), construction (insulation boards, paint, glues), the food industry (food preservation) or pharmaceuticals (disinfectant).
Health effects of formaldehyde
Formaldehyde (CH2O) is a colorless gas with a pungent, suffocating odor. It is toxic by inhalation (R23), by skin contact (R24), by ingestion (R25) and can cause burns (R34). Flammable and explosive, with explosive limits between 7 and 73% volume, it can form explosive mixtures or increase the explosiveness of certain mixtures. The IARC * has identified a link between exposure to formaldehyde and cancer risks (R40).
*IARC: International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the WHO World Health Organization)
CH2O (Formaldehyde) gas detector
Despite its pungent and suffocating odor, only a CH2O gas detector can accurately measure the concentrations of this highly toxic gas, so we will move towards portable or fixed formaldehyde detection in ppm, or even ppb.
Respiratory protection formaldehyde (CH2O)
Formaldehyde is an eye irritant, so a full-face mask is recommended for short-term interventions or a more comfortable assisted ventilation device with type K gas filters . If concentrations exceed 60 times the OEL, an isolating breathing apparatus will be essential.