Formaldehyde
By: Iman Saqib
How is Formaldehyde used? What are its benefits?
What are the chemical and physical properties of Formaldehyde?
Environmental impacts of Formaldehyde
When formaldehyde is released into the atmosphere it is unlikely to affect plants and wildlife in the near by area since it is very quickly removed from the air by reacting with other species in the atmosphere and is broken down into water and soil within days. Formaldehyde may also be involved in the formation of ground level ozone, which can damage crops and materials. In many animals and birds, formaldehyde has the same effects as in humans when ingested or inhaled. Such as create reproductive problems like low fertility. In an aquatic environment formaldehyde is very toxic as it has a half life of between a day and ten days.
What are the potential impacts of this chemical on human health?
How can we lessen the impact of formaldehyde in our lives? Are there any alternatives to this chemical that can be used instead?
We can also ventilate our home regularly since there is a higher concentration of formaldehyde inside than outdoors. We can also buy cosmetic products that do not contain the chemical or cosmetics without quarternarium-15. Alternatives to formaldehyde that have similar activity profiles is difficult. However scientists have discovered five broad spectrum alternatives. Glutaraldehyde, chlorine, per acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide and chlorine dioxide.
References
Formaldehyde - Environment, Health and Safety. (n.d.). Retrieved March 11, 2016, from http://ehs.unc.edu/chemical/formaldehyde/
Formaldehyde Facts, Uses, Health Related Issues. (n.d.). Retrieved March 15, 2016, from http://www.formaldehydetesting.com/whatisformaldehyde.html