Formaldehyde

=__**Formaldehyde**__= Formaldehyde is an organic compound. Also known as methanal, it is the simplest aldehyde and has the formula CH2O. At room temperature it is a colourless gas with its own unique odor. It is a product of the combustion of methane in things such as automobile exhaust and tobacco smoke.



**Uses**
Formaldehyde-based resins are commonly used as finishers to make fabrics crease-resistant. Formaldehyde-based materials are important to the making of automobiles, and used to make components for the the engine and pieces in the automobile frame. In 2003 the value of formaldehyde sales was over $145 billion.

When reacted with certain other chemicals, formaldehyde forms a resin which is commonly used in adhesives used in plywood or capeting, or it is added to products such as paper towels or facial tissues to provide the wet-strength. it can also be foamed to make insulation.

You can also find formaldehyde in alcohols that are used for things such as paints, explosives, or disinfectants.

Health Hazards
Formaldehyde can be toxic, allergenic, and carcinogenic. since it is used in mant construction materials, it is a very common indoor air pollutants. at concentrations above 0.1 ppm, it can irritate the eyes and throat, or cause headaches. Exposure at levels higher then 1.9 ppm can cause significant damage to the lungs and sinuses. There are also studies that support the theory that formaldehyde can have a negative effect on reproduction in woman and is believed to cause nasal sinus cancer.

Safety
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not allow more than 16 ppb formaldehyde in the air in new buildings. The EPA recommends using exterior-grade pressed-wood products to decrease formaldehyde exposure because pressed woods containing formaldehyde resins are the main cause of formaldehyde exposure in homes.