Abstract
Review of the more commonly used methods for the sampling and analysis of formaldehyde (50000) (FA) revealed that the most frequently used sampling devices were the bubbler and the impinger. The impinger was found to be useful for the collection of area samples, but the device was cumbersome and presented spillage problems for personal sampling use. The best method for personal sampling was found to be a solid device based on a solid sorbent or a sealed liquid containing device, which reduced the bulk of the device and presented fewer handling and shipping drawbacks. The chromotropic-acid, pararosaniline, 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine, 3- methyl-2-benzothiazolone-hydrazone, Girard-T, hydrazine, oxidative charcoal tube, and 2-(benzylamino)ethanol (BAE) methods for the sampling and analysis of FA were reviewed in detail. Field evaluation studies carried out with the oxidative charcoal tube method, which was developed by NIOSH, revealed that the method presented instability problems, while samples taken with the BAE procedure, another NIOSH method, demonstrated that although its sensitivity was limited, the method could be used to determine levels of FA as low as 0.1 micrograms per liter. The authors point out that there is no one optimal method for FA measurement, and various factors should be considered in selection of a method for industrial survey.
