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About formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a naturally organic substance that was discovered back in 1859. It is present all around us. You can find formaldehyde in human beings and trees (it is also emitted by the leaves) and you can even find formaldehyde in outer space.
You will find formaldehyde all around you: not only in manufactured products but also in nature. Formaldehyde is an important chemical that occurs in most life forms, including humans. At the biological level, all normally functioning cells (human, animal and vegetables) produce and use formaldehyde! Formaldehyde does not accumulate in the environment because it is broken down within a few hours by sunlight or by bacteria present in soil or water. Formaldehyde metabolizes quickly, so it does not accumulate in the body.
Natural sources of formaldehyde
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The formation of formaldehyde results mainly from the photochemical oxidation of methane that is naturally present in the atmosphere, as well as the natural decomposition of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC).
Formaldehyde is also present in many foodstuffs such as fruit, meat and vegetables, sometimes in significant doses.
The natural decomposition of methane (for instance, from livestock production and agriculture) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) produced by human activity is a source of formaldehyde (including motors, heating appliances, cooking, etc.).It is produced on an industrial scale in the form of a gas. In a water solution, form formaldehyde gives formalin/ formol.
For further information, please see our brochure "Formaldehyde - also a natural product". Download here.