Abstract: | Varioys analytical methodologies for the monitoring of formaldehyde (CH2O) concentrations in domestic environments have been developed and evaluated. A modified CEA Instruments, Inc., analyzer has near-real-time CH3O-specific analysis capability with an 0.01 mg/m3 detection limit. A solid sorbent, 13X molecular sieve has been utilized in a pumped collection unit with a demonstrated 0.03–12.5 mg/m3 linear dynamic range using sampling periods of ≤ 15 min. The development of screening-type techniques has included (1) a semipermeable-membrane passive sampler for measurements of average CH2O concentrations over 8–24-h periods, and (2) a visual colorimetric analysis method for semiquantitative CH2O determinations using solid chemical reagents. A preliminary field evaluation has been completed. The results show excellent agreement between the new CH2O monitoring methods and a reference sampling and analysis technique. A generation apparatus for the production of CH2O vapor is also reported with a demonstrated linear dynamic range between 0.003 and 12.5 mg/m3. |