Evaluation of selected monitoring methods for formaldehyde in domestic environments

• Published in: Environment international 1982, Vol.8 (1), p.143-151
• Main Authors: Matthews, T.G., Hawthorne, A.R., Howell, T.C., Metcalfe, C.E., Gammage, R.B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0160-4120; 1873-6750
• DOI: 10.1016/0160-4120(82)90022-8

Varioys analytical methodologies for the monitoring of formaldehyde (CH 2O) concentrations in domestic environments have been developed and evaluated. A modified CEA Instruments, Inc., analyzer has near-real-time CH 3O-specific analysis capability with an ≊0.01 mg/m 3 detection limit. A solid sorbent, 13X molecular sieve has been utilized in a pumped collection unit with a demonstrated 0.03–12.5 mg/m 3 linear dynamic range using sampling periods of ≤ 15 min. The development of screening-type techniques has included (1) a semipermeable-membrane passive sampler for measurements of average CH 2O concentrations over 8–24-h periods, and (2) a visual colorimetric analysis method for semiquantitative CH 2O determinations using solid chemical reagents. A preliminary field evaluation has been completed. The results show excellent agreement between the new CH 2O monitoring methods and a reference sampling and analysis technique. A generation apparatus for the production of CH 2O vapor is also reported with a demonstrated linear dynamic range between 0.003 and 12.5 mg/m 3.