Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde MSDS

What is Formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a highly-reactive, colorless, poisonous gas created by the oxidation of methanol. It is the simplest of aldehydes, and is a precursor to many other compounds. It is used as an antiseptic, disinfectant, fixative, and preservative, most often in laboratory settings. Formaldehyde is commonly distributed as a 37% solution in water, while formalin is a 10% solution of formaldehyde in water. Formaldehyde can be found in the environment in smoke from fires, automobile exhaust, and cigarette smoke. Formaldehyde is flammable and corrosive.

Formaldehyde Exposure and Health Risks

Formaldehyde is harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or contacted directly. It can cause irritation to skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Coughing and wheezing are common symptoms as well as headaches and dizziness. Formaldehyde exposure can be lethal at high enough concentrations, but more importantly at long term exposure. Formaldehyde is a carcinogen and can cause menstrual and sterility disorders in women. Direct contact with the eyes can cause damage ranging from mild discomfort and burning to complete loss of vision. If formaldehyde catches fire, the vapors are irritating, corrosive, and likely toxic.

Regulations

The table below summarizes the most-recent exposure limits.

Sources: NIOSH, OSHA, EPA

Measuring Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde concentration can be measured in the air or in water (dissolved) in units of parts per million (ppm). We carry portable, fixed, and dissolved formaldehyde monitors and kits, and all of our formaldehyde products can be viewed HERE.

D16	The D16 is a versatile tool designed for gas leak detection, personal safety, spot checking, confined entry, and data logging, and more. It can be used as a portable monitor or as stationary one that can be set to log data over long periods of time. This customizable unit can be fitted with a variety of sensors and is sold with very accessory you may need for fast and accurate portable gas detection.	0-20ppm 0-1000ppm
D12	The D12 is designed for operation in hazardous areas. It's explosion-proof cast aluminum housing is rated for Class 1, Division 1, Group B, C, D locations and is UL, FM, and CSA certified. This monitor can be fitted with a variety of sensors to be used on a wide range of toxic and combustible gases.	0-20ppm 0-1000ppm
F12	The Series F12 Gas Transmitter is an Intrinsically Safe monitor designed for the detection of toxic gases in hazardous area. It is also well suited for general purpose applications. This highly customizable unit can be fitted with a variety of sensors and and accessories and is compatible with most fixed mount toxic gas applications.	0-20ppm 0-1000ppm
F12D	The Series F12D Gas Transmitter is designed for detection of toxic gases in hazardous areas.It is also well suited for general purpose applications. This highly customizable unit can be fitted with a variety of sensors and accessories and is compatible with most fixed mount toxic gas applications.	0-20ppm 0-1000ppm
B12	The B12 transmitter is a two-wire, 4-29 mA transmitter that is loop-powered to signal linearly proportional to gas concentration. Their electrochemical sensors are designed for use in ambient air or in ventilation ducts. This highly customizable application can be fitted with a variety of sensors and accessories.	0-20ppm
S200	The Series 200 portable gas monitor uses Gas Sensitive Electrochemical technology (GSE) to measure gases found in indoor or industrial environments. It is designed for spot checking, personal exposure monitoring, and leak identification. This monitor can be fitted with a variety of sensor heads to be used on a wide range of toxic gases.	0-10ppm
S300	The Series 300 portable gas monitor uses Gas Sensitive Electrochemical technology (GSE) to measure gases found in indoor or industrial environments. It shares the same features as the S200 with the additions of audible alarms and relay and voltage outputs which allow you to interface with control systems, data loggers, and other equipment. This monitor can be fitted with a variety of sensor heads to be used on a wide range of toxic gases.	0-10ppm
S500	The Series 500 portable gas monitor uses Gas Sensitive Electrochemical technology (GSE) to measure gases found in indoor or industrial environments. It shares the same features as the S200 and S300 with the additions of internal data logging as well as PC connections cables. This monitor can be fitted with a variety of sensor heads to be used on a wide range of toxic gases.	0-10ppm
S900	The Series 900 fixed gas monitor uses Gas Sensitive Electrochemical technology (GSE) designed to operate as a relay controller, gas transmitter, or networked device. It can also monitor temperature and humidity if needed. This monitor can be fitted with a variety of sensor heads to be used on a wide range of toxic gases.	0-10ppm

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