Formaldehyde is a colourless gas with strong, suffocating odor. It can be found in any place, while handling liquid formalin or formaldehyde gas. The common way to formaldehyde exposure is breathing air containing formaldehyde. This usually occurs in indoor environments where the gas has been released from formaldehyde-containing products.
Formaldehyde exposure limits are regulated to ensure employee and consumer protection by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The chart below summarizes the occupational exposure limit set by OSHA and NIOSH.
| Standard | Work day exposure limit (8-hour TWA) | Short term exposure limit (15 minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| OSHA | 0.75 ppm | 2 ppm |
| ACGIH | 0.1 ppm | 0.3 ppm (ACGIH Ceiling limit)TLV |
Formaldehyde has been classified as a human carcinogen by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Cancer from formaldehyde exposure occurs mainly in the entrance area of the body such as the nose and throat.
| Air Flow Rate | 100 to 500 CFM |
|---|---|
| Pressure | 350 Pascal |
| Removal Method | Adsorption and Filtration |
| Filters Used | Three stage filters (Pre-filter, Impregnated carbon, HEPA filter) |
| Material of Construction | MS + Powder coating, SS304, SS316 |
| Noise Level | Less than 65 dB |
| Power Supply | Single phase / Three phase |