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Conchem PT

Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling gas used in many consumer products that can irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory systems. It occurs naturally but is also made synthetically and released by industrial sources. In the environment, it breaks down rapidly in air and soil and is biodegradable in water. Exposure guidelines and restrictions aim to limit health risks to consumers and workers, who should take precautions like good ventilation and protective equipment when handling products containing formaldehyde. The presentation provides an overview of formaldehyde's properties, effects, and safe usage.

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Vicente Amugauan
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12 views10 pages

Conchem PT

Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling gas used in many consumer products that can irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory systems. It occurs naturally but is also made synthetically and released by industrial sources. In the environment, it breaks down rapidly in air and soil and is biodegradable in water. Exposure guidelines and restrictions aim to limit health risks to consumers and workers, who should take precautions like good ventilation and protective equipment when handling products containing formaldehyde. The presentation provides an overview of formaldehyde's properties, effects, and safe usage.

Uploaded by

Vicente Amugauan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Group 4

Organic Compounds in
Consumer Products:
Analysis and Impact
Introduction
Good day everyone! We are
group 4 and we are happy to
share our findings and research
of the compound
FORMALDEHYDE during our
presentation

We hope you enjoy!


What is formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is a colorless,
strong-smelling gas chemical
compound with the molecular
formula CH₂O. It is the simplest
form of aldehyde and consists of a
carbon atom bonded to two
hydrogen atoms and an oxygen
atom in a carbonyl group. It is
commonly found in building
materials, insulations, household
products and more.
Natural vs. Synthetic
Formaldehyde is mainly emitted by
industrial sources, but it can occur
naturally in the environment.
Formaldehyde may be released in
the smoke of forest fires and can also
be found in animal waste and sea water.
It can also be made synthetically by
methanol vapor-phase oxidation.
Effects to the environment
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS BIODEGRADABILITY
Formaldehyde in soil and water is also
In the air, formaldehyde changes fast. biodegraded in a relatively short time.
It turns into carbon dioxide when it is In water, one pathway of degradation
exposed sunlight, and it also reacts is rapid hydration to methylene glycol.
quickly with hydroxyl radicals to Formaldehyde is widely present in the
become formic acid. This all happens environment, as a result of natural
processes and from man-made
in about an hour, but it can be faster
sources.
or slower depending on the Most of the formaldehyde enters the
surroundings. atmosphere where it is rapidly
degraded by photolysis and photo-
oxidation by hydroxyl radicals.
Effects to the human body
HUMAN EXPOSURE HEALTH EFFECTS
Exposure to formaldehyde can irritate
the skin, throat, lungs, and eyes. The
Most people may be exposed to level of exposure depends upon the
formaldehyde by breathing dose, duration, and work being done.
When working with formaldehyde,
contaminated air from sources
make sure there's good ventilation and
such as pressed-wood products, use goggles or a face shield to protect
tobacco smoke, and automobile your eyes from splashes. Wear a lab
coat, long pants, and closed shoes, and
tailpipe emissions.
use appropriate gloves, depending on
the concentration of formaldehyde
you're handling.
Restrictions
Of course, there are also restrictions to the
usage of Formaldehyde such as the
established the permissible exposure limits
for formaldehyde in the workplace,
regulations for formaldehyde emissions from
certain products, including composite wood
products, and regulations regarding
formaldehyde levels
Alternatives
Glutaraldehyde can be an alternative for
formaldehyde because aldehyde compounds
and share some structural similarities.
Glutaraldehyde is a liquid and delivered as a
disinfectant in aqueous solution, whereas
formaldehyde is a gas phase disinfectant.
Studies show that 19% formaldehyde is
approximately 40 times more toxic than 2.5%
glutaraldehyde, at all times of exposure.
Conclusions
Formaldehyde, a compound used in
many products such as dish soap to
enhance its smell has mixed impacts on
consumers and the environment. While
it can enhance products, it poses risks to
consumers health through skin and
respiratory irritation. Strict safety
precautions and regulatory guidelines
are in place to mitigate these concerns,
emphasizing the importance of proper
ventilation and protective gear when
working with formaldehyde-containing
products.
Thank you
very much!

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