Record Display for the EPA National Library Catalog

RECORD NUMBER: 424 OF 2834

Main Title Assessment of Formaldehyde as a Potential Air Pollution Problem. Volume VIII.
Author Patterson, Robert M. ; Bornstein, Mark I. ; Garshick., Eric ;
CORP Author GCA Corp., Bedford, Mass. GCA Technology Div.;Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, N.C.
Year Published 1976
Report Number GCA-TR-75-32-G(8); EPA-68-02-1337;
Stock Number PB-258 360
Additional Subjects Formaldehyde ; Air pollution ; Chemical properties ; Physical properties ; Public health ; Industrial wastes ; Chemical industry ; Combustion products ; Assessments ; Air pollution control ; Toxicity ; Concentration(Composition) ; Sources ; Humans ; Plants(Botany) ; Animals ; Smog ; Scrubbers ; Explosives ; Dyes ; Resins ; Lacquers ; Incinerators ; Burners ; Air pollution effects(Humans) ; Air pollution effects(Animals) ; Air pollution effects(Plants) ; Air pollution effects(Materials)
Holdings
Library Call Number Additional Info Location Last
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Status
NTIS  PB-258 360 Some EPA libraries have a fiche copy filed under the call number shown. 07/26/2022
Collation 29p
Abstract
Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a pungent, irritating odor. It is produced from methyl alcohol by catalytic vapor-phase oxidation or by an oxidation-dehydration process, and its main use is as an intermediate in the preparation of explosives, dyes, synthetic lacquers, and resins. Formaldehyde polymerizes in the presence of air and moisture to form the solid paraformaldehyde. Aerosols have a synergistic effect on human response to formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is known to be a component of photochemical smog formation. Control methods which are currently used for absorber vent emissions are thermal incineration and redirection of vent gases to plant boilers for use as a fuel supplement. The only device reported for the fractionator vent is a water absorber. Systems that are feasible but not currently employed are plume burners (no supplemental fuel required) and catalytic incinerators. Emissions from manufacture by the mixed catalyst process occur primarily from the absorber vent gas, and one firm is currently controlling these using a water scrubber. Other feasible control methods are thermal and catalytic incineration, and a flare system. Based on the results of health effects research presented in this report, and the ambient concentration estimates, it appears that formaldehyde in air may produce eye and respiratory tract irritation in sensitive members of the general population. This applies especially to those living near the largest production facility; however, eye irritation from photochemical smog must be due, in part, to formaldehyde.