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