Published on September 27, 2013
Formaldehyde was the first polyatomic organic molecule detected in the interstellar medium and since its initial detection has been observed in many regions of the galaxy. Because of the widespread interest in interstellar formaldehyde it has recently been extensively studied, yielding new extragalactic sources. Formaldehyde is more complicated than many simple carbon compounds because it adopts different forms. One important derivative is the cyclic trimer metaformaldehyde or 1, 3, 5-trioxane with the formula (CH2O)3. There is also an infinite polymer called paraformaldehyde. These compounds behave, in a chemical sense, similarly to the molecule CH2O. Being the simplest aldehyde, it finds various uses and applications.
Consumption of formaldehyde depends mainly on the construction, automotive and furniture markets. In the developed world, growth in demand will typically track gross domestic product (GDP) although it will be strongly correlated to the construction industry. Formaldehyde is commercially offered as a 37% to 50% aqueous solution, with 37% being the most widely used grade which may also contain 0-15% methanol and a polymerization inhibitor. The main downstream demand for formaldehyde around the world is in production of thermosetting resins. The largest group is the amino resins produced by condensing either urea or melamine with formaldehyde. Urea formaldehyde (UF) resins are the largest sector. Binders in non structural wood based panels are the largest application, in particular for particleboard and medium density fiberboard (MDF). Melamine formaldehyde (MF) resins are used predominantly as paper impregnating resins for surfacing of panels, for example in laminate flooring and as binders and adhesives where improved water resistance is required. The automobile industry also consumes MF resins in the form of clear coats.
However its link with Cancer causing factors and its toxic properties has raised many eye brows and the fact of its usage being at sixes and sevens is still a question, since its toxicity and volatility with respect to the exposure of formaldehyde is viewed closely in context to the human health. In 2011, the National Toxicology Program (NTP), changed the listing status of formaldehyde from “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” to “known to be a human carcinogen”. Recent studies have also shown a positive correlation between exposure to formaldehyde and the development of leukemia, particularly myeloid leukemia.
As per the theory of multistage carcinogenesis, Cancerous cells in many tissues develop by stages. A normal cell must undergo several mutations to become a neoplastic cell. The distribution of the time required for a given number of mutations and the probability of developing neoplastic cells in a given time interval are derived. As per the theory, its carcinogenic property has proved to be correct and in this context it has also faced adverse consequences. In the United States, a bill was passed in congress on July 7, 2010 regarding the use of formaldehyde in hardwood plywood, particle board, and medium density fiberboard. The bill limited the allowable amount of formaldehyde emissions from these wood products to .09 ppm, a standard which companies were required to meet by January 2013. Also, formaldehyde was declared a toxic substance by the 1999 Canadian Environmental Protection Act.
Despite all the restrictions and looking at the disadvantages of the substance, formaldehyde is one such component that cannot be overlooked in terms of usage, Since it finds major use and application in industries. Formaldehyde is a common precursor to more complex compounds and materials. In approximate order of decreasing consumption, products generated from formaldehyde include urea formaldehyde resin, melamine resin, phenol formaldehyde resin, polyoxymethylene plastics, 1,4-butanediol, and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate. However it’s usage is still a subject that cannot be evicted and concluded on a very large scale ever since it has got attention of the US regulators on it’s being carcinogenic and restricting it’s application. The approval of the ban and torts on the same is likely to shake the market scenario, but a very significant measure of spur is something that cannot be expected since the component is one of the indispensible substance in industries.
By,
Shruti Acharya
Author
