Indoor Air Formaldehyde Passive Sampler

Features

• Analysis utilizes NIOSH 3500. See Analysis Instructions Using the Chromotropic Acid Assay Method (PDF).
  


• Inexpensive
  


• Small and unobtrusive — less than 4 inches (10 cm) long
  
  
• Attached ribbon allows for hanging in test area
  


• Convenient — no pumps or calibration needed
  


• Easy to use — no technical training required
  


• Accurately measures low formaldehyde levels
  


• No known interferences from other substances
  


• Designed for long term measurement — 5 to 7 days
  


• Suitable for testing indoor air in home, office, or industrial environment
  


• Detection limit: 0.01 ppm (± 30%), 0.02 ppm (± 15%)

Indoor Air Formaldehyde Sampler Operating Instructions (PDF)

Analysis Instructions Using the Chromotropic Acid Assay Method (PDF)

Indoor Air Formaldehyde Sampler Product Data Bulletin (PDF)

The sampler is based on a simple yet accurate process. Inside the vial is a disk of chemically impregnated paper. No liquid reagents are necessary for sampling. Formaldehyde combines with the reactive media on the disk (sodium hydrogen sulfite) and forms the stable compound sodium formaldehyde bisulfite. The sampler is then sent to an AIHA-accredited laboratory for chromotropic acid assay (CTA) analysis.

There are no known interferences to the sampler. Formaldehyde may be accurately measured in the presence of other substances such as phenol, aldehydes, and aromatic hydrocarbons. Shelf-life of an unopened sampler is one year.

1. Decide where to hang the sampler. For buildings with large indoor area or with more than one floor, use more than one sampler.
   
   
2. Record the location, start date, and start time on the identification label and place on sampler.
   
   
3. Uncap the unit and attach the cap to the opposite end of the vial.
   
   
4. Hang the sampler from the mounting surface (door jamb or ceiling) by pushing the mounting pin through the ribbon and into the mounting surface. The sampler must be at least 24 inches away from any wall and away from outside doors and windows.
   
   
5. Allow the sampler to hang undisturbed for 5 to 7 days.
   
   
6. Cap the sampler and record finish time and date on the identification label.
   
   
7. Mail the sampler to an accredited laboratory for analysis using the chromotropic acid assay method.
   
   

Symptoms of formaldehyde exposure include: irritation of the eyes, ears, and throat; excessive thirst; headache; sneezing; shortness of breath; dermatitis; and excessive phlegm. Formaldehyde is an allergen and susceptible persons may become sensitized. Formaldehyde has also demonstrated mutagenic properties in a variety of test systems and can react with hydrogen chloride to form bis-chloromethyl ether (BCME), a potent animal carcinogen. NIOSH recommends that formaldehyde be handled as a potential occupational carcinogen. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified formaldehyde as carcinogenic. There is sufficient evidence that it causes nasopharyngeal cancer in humans.

Indoor Air Formaldehyde Sampler Operating Instructions (PDF)

Analysis Instructions Using the Chromotropic Acid Assay Method (PDF)

Indoor Air Formaldehyde Sampler Product Data Bulletin (PDF)

For a listing of laboratories in the U.S. and Canada that analyze Formaldehyde Passive Samplers, see the 526-Series Formaldehyde Passive Samplers Analytical Laboratories Reference List.

For a listing of Parameters for Laboratory Analysis, see 526-100 Area Sampler Parameters.

Manufactured for SKC by Air Quality Research, Inc.