Healthier living without formaldehyde

Health Effects

In relevant concentrations, formaldehyde is a pungent-smelling gas and can cause watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes and throat, nausea, and difficulty in breathing.

Sensory irritation by formaldehyde has been reported for concentrations as low as 0.15 mg/m3 (120 ppb). However, high concentrations may trigger attacks in people with asthma.

The WHO recommends that the average indoor formaldehyde concentration within 30 minutes should not exceed 0.1 mg/m3 (80 ppb). 

Sources of Formaldehyde in the Interior

In homes, frequent sources include combustion processes such as smoking, cooking on gas stoves, kerosene space heaters, or candle and incense burning.

In non-smoking environments, the most significant sources of formaldehyde are most likely pressed wood products such as particleboard, plywood, or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) made by using formaldehyde-based resins.

These materials are frequently used as sub-flooring and shelving and in cabinetry and furniture. As a result, elevated formaldehyde concentrations can be present in freshly built, furnished, or painted rooms for months.

SFA30

The SFA30 is Sensirions new formaldehyde sensor designed for easy integration into air purifiers, demand-controlled ventilation systems, or indoor air quality monitors.

The SFA30 contains an electrochemical sensor, analogue frontend, relative humidity and temperature sensor and microcontroller.

How to Start?

The easiest way is to connect the SEK-SFA30 evaluation kit directly to a USB port of the PC and run ControlCenter software.

If you need more information about Sensirion products, don't hesitate to contact our sales representative for your region or send us an email at sensirion@soselectronic.com; we will be happy to help you.