 Formaldemeter® Instrument Gives Airborne Concentrations If you work in the medical field, you're probably very familiar with the many uses of formaldehyde—and how dangerous it can be. But did you know that this volatile organic compound is also used in foundry processes and in the manufacture of products such as apparel, furniture, paper, and plastic molding?
The effects of formaldehyde exposure range from irritation to the upper airways, eyes, and skin in lower concentrations to bronchial asthmatic symptoms, blindness, or even death in high concentrations. When workers are subjected to long-term exposure, they also have an increased risk of developing various forms of cancer. Of course, OSHA outlines strict rules to protect all workers who are exposed to formaldehyde gas, its solutions, and other derivative materials. If you are exposed to this hazardous substance in your work, you must be able to determine airborne formaldehyde concentrations as well as concentrations in spill situations and other emergencies, so that you can use appropriate respiratory protection. For reliable and convenient monitoring of formaldehyde concentrations in the healthcare—and any other--industry, MSA offers the small, battery-powered Formaldemeter instrument. Request a bulletin by FAX-BACK on page 8, or call 1-800-851-4500 today for more information.
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In
fact, OSHA estimates that the total number of firms using formaldehyde
in our country is over 100,000 and that more than 2,000,000 employees
are exposed. According to the U. S. Department of Labor, "The downstream
use of formaldehyde-based inputs is found throughout the U.S. economy.
It contributes to the production of about 8% of the gross national product
(GNP) of the United States."
