Formalin - CH2O -Jeremy

Compound name - Formaldehyde (CH₂O)

Synonyms – Formic aldehyde, methaldehyde, methal aldehyde, oxomethane, oxymethylene, methylene oxide.

Molecular Mass – 30.03 g/mol

Functional Groups - Carbonyl

Common Names - Formalin, BFV, FA, Fannoform, FM 282, Formalin 40, Floguard 1015, Formaith, Formol, FYDE, Hoch, Karsan, Ivalon, Lysoform, Morbicid, Paraform, and Super-lysoform.

Formaldehyde is a chemical compound that is commonly used everywhere from factories to laboratories; and everything in between. At room temperature [22 ºC/72 ºF], it's a colourless, flammable gas that has a pungent smell (Reuss et al., 2003). Its boiling point is -19.1 ºC and has a melting point at -92 ºC. It's soluble in water, ethanol, and chloroform.

Uses

-manufacturing of building materials, mostly used as an adhesive resin;

-fiber board [OSB]

-plywood

-fuel burning appliances

-kerosene space heaters

-Also used for;

-ingredient in some glues

-preservative in medical laboratories, mainly for preserving animal specimens for study and cataloging [although recently, 95% isopropyl rubbing alcohol (C₃H₇OH) has started to replace formalin].

-embalming fluid

-sterilizer

-thought to have been an ingredient in;

-Paper towels

-Photography film

-Shampoo/ conditioner

-lipstick

-deodorant

-tooth paste

-nail polish

-various inks

-wrinkle-free fabrics

Dangers/ Health Risks

While it differs from person to person, certain levels of formaldehyde can cause:

-Asthma attacks

-nausea

-leaky tear ducts [watery eyes]

-burning sensation in eyes

-breathing problems

-headaches

-respiratory irritation/ problems

It should also be noted that according to the DHHS [Department of Health and Human Services], it's anticipated to be a carcinogen and has caused cancer is small animals.

The following video describes Formaldehyde's use in building materials.

References

"Common uses." Formaldehyde Facts. N.p.. Web. 13 May 2013. <http://www.formaldehydefacts.org/applications/common_uses/>.  

"Formaldehyde." Do it yourself. Do it yourself. Web. 13 May 2013. <http://www.doityourself.com/stry/formaldehydeupdate

"Formaldehyde." Formaldehyde. (1981): 1-287. Web. 13 May. 2013. <http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol88/mono88-6.pdf>.

"What is Formaldehyde?." Formaldehyde Testing Lab. EMSL Aalytical, inc.. Web. 13 May 2013. <http://www.formaldehydetesting.com/whatisformaldehyde.html>. 

"Uses for Formaldehyde." Want to know it. Want to know it. Web. 13 May 2013. <http://wanttoknowit.com/uses-of-formaldehyde/>. 

-Jeremy