What Is a Formaldehyde Detector?
Formaldehyde detectors measure formaldehyde gas concentration in the air. Formaldehyde, a colorless gas with a pungent odor, is commonly found in building materials, household products, and some industrial processes. Exposure can cause eye irritation, respiratory issues, and is considered carcinogenic with prolonged inhalation. Health guidelines recommend keeping indoor formaldehyde levels below 100 μg/m3 (0.08 ppm) to avoid health risks.
Applications of Formaldehyde Detectors
These detectors are crucial for ensuring air quality in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, especially in spaces where formaldehyde-containing products are used or produced. Regulations in many countries mandate formaldehyde monitoring in large buildings, workplaces, and areas where its presence poses health risks, to maintain safe indoor air quality standards.
How Formaldehyde Detectors Work
Formaldehyde detectors commonly use the constant potential electrolysis or photoelectrophotometric method to measure gas concentration. These methods may vary in sensitivity and specificity, potentially detecting other gases like acetaldehyde or alcohols as formaldehyde. The most accurate measurements are obtained through high-performance liquid chromatography, as recognized by health authorities.
- Constant Potential Electrolysis Method: Measures gas concentration by electrolyzing formaldehyde between electrodes, with the generated current indicating concentration.
- Photoelectrophotometric Method: Uses test paper that changes color in the presence of formaldehyde, with intensity changes measured by a photoelectric converter to determine concentration.
Choosing a Formaldehyde Detector
Different types of detectors are designed for various monitoring durations, from short-term to long-term exposure assessments. The choice of detector should match the specific requirements for sensitivity, accuracy, and measurement range, which can vary significantly among devices.