Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas that can be carcinogenic to humans, and is a common additive to building materials and household products. Formaldehyde is also formed in the environment upon oxidation of a variety of hydrocarbons, including natural gas (methane). Symptoms of exposure to low concentrations of formaldehyde may include headache, nausea, throat and skin irritation, and exacerbated chemical sensitivity. 

In Public Lab, we’ve been exploring low-cost methods for monitoring airborne concentrations of formaldehyde and low-cost methods for mitigating exposure to it. 

### Formaldehyde projects 

Projects related to formaldehyde monitoring and exposure mitigation can be found on the following wikis. 

Low-cost monitoring of airborne formaldehyde using colorimetric tubes: https://publiclab.org/wiki/formaldehyde-test-kit 

Personal exposure to formaldehyde (and information about exposure): 
https://publiclab.org/wiki/formaldehyde-exposure 

Low-cost remediation or airborne formaldehyde: 
https://publiclab.org/wiki/diy-indoor-air-quality-remediation-kit 


### Current formaldehyde research in Public Lab 

Follow active development on [the tag 'formaldehyde.'](/tag/formaldehyde) 

You can also [subscribe](/subscriptions) to to the formaldehyde tag.

****

### Questions in Public Lab related to formaldehyde 
[questions:formaldehyde]
****
### Activities to try in Public Lab related to formaldehyde
[activities:formaldehyde]
****