Formaldehyde Detector
A formaldehyde detector helps ensure indoor environments remain at tolerable levels. Exposure to the colorless, odorless gas can cause respiratory irritation and lung damage over time, and it can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. In the workplace, long-term exposure can also lead to decreased lung function and an increased risk of cancer. Formaldehyde in the air may come from wood products, glues, particleboard, permanent press fabrics, paper product coatings and other sources, such as paint and carpeting.
What is the best way to test for formaldehyde?
To detect formaldehyde, a Formaldehyde detector uses an electrochemical sensor to analyze the room air and converts its findings into an electronic signal. The device then displays the result and alerts users when HCHO concentrations are above a safety limit. The detectors can be either electrochemical or optical, and they are available in different measuring ranges. Some models feature a portable design and an easy-to-read LCD screen. Others are fixed in the wall and provide a remote monitoring system with data logging capabilities.
Other formaldehyde detectors use a colorimetric tablet to measure the concentration of HCHO. The sampled air is pumped over the tablet for a predetermined time, and its coloration is recorded. The greater the staining, the higher the formaldehyde concentration. The detector then measures the resulting color change, calculates the concentration and displays it on a screen.
Before you buy a formaldehyde detector, consider its accuracy and selectivity to other gases, such as ethanol, which can interfere with the measurement. Check the product specifications to make sure the detector has a high sensitivity and a minimum response time. Look for a model with good endurance against ambient moisture, as the humidity can affect the sensing response of oxide chemiresistors.