skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Residential formaldehyde sampling - current and recommended practices

Conference · · Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5780515

The usefulness of test results in assessing the health hazard potential of residential formaldehyde exposures depends in great measure on the accuracy and reliability of sampling/analysis methods employed, the protocol used in collecting samples, sampling objectives, and an understanding of residential formaldehyde dynamics and their relationship to environmental variables. Active sampling and analysis methods including detector tubes, the impinger/chromotropic acid method, the impinger/pararosaniline method, and the CEA continuous monitor are reviewed as to advantages and limitations for residential sampling. Passive dosimeter methods including the Dupont Pro-Tec Badge, 3M Monitor, Air Quality Research, Inc. Passive Formaldehyde Kit, and Envirotech, Inc. Dosimeter are also reviewed. Sampling considerations for one-time formaldehyde sampling using the impinger/chromotropic acid method are discussed in detail, including pre-sampling closure of residences, maintenance of a standard indoor temperature both before and during sampling, the undesirability of sampling during cold, dry winter weather, sample number, sampling location, height and duration, environmental measurements during sampling, source identification and sample storage. A model formaldehyde sampling protocol based on the impinger/chromotropic acid method is described.

Research Organization:
Dept. of Natural Resources, Muncie, IN
OSTI ID:
5780515
Report Number(s):
CONF-8505143-
Journal Information:
Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States), Vol. 46:3; Conference: American Industrial Hygiene conference, Las Vegas, NV, USA, 19 May 1985
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

Similar Records

Monitoring of formaldehyde in air
Journal Article · Tue Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1985 · Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States) · OSTI ID:5780515

Formaldehyde: a comparative evaluation of four monitoring methods
Journal Article · Tue Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1985 · Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States) · OSTI ID:5780515

An evaluation of the effect of source and concentration on three methods for the measurement of formaldehyde in indoor air
Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1990 · American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal; (USA) · OSTI ID:5780515