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.  For a quick summary of formaldehyde exposure basics, please see the [ASTDR’s ToxFAQs for Formaldehyde](https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/TF.asp?id=219&tid=39). For much more in-depth information, please see the [ASTDR’s Toxicological Profile for Formaldehyde](https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp.asp?id=220&tid=39). 

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 to get email updates when a research note, wiki, or question gets tagged as related to formaldehyde.

****

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