Formaldehyde (methyl aldehyde): Sources of emissions
Industry sources
The major industrial sources include manufacturing plants that produce or use formaldehyde, or substances that contain formaldehyde. Mining, wood and paper industries and electricity supply are those that produce the most formaldehyde. Catalytic cracking, coking operations and fuel combustion sources such as boilers, furnaces and engines in manufacturing processes also generate formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is present in urea-formaldehyde and phenol-formaldehyde resins and copper plating solutions.
Diffuse sources, and industry sources included in diffuse emissions data
Formaldehyde is released from burning fuel in homes, and is in products such as carpets and pressed wood products. It is directly emitted into the atmosphere and can also be formed in the atmosphere as a result of the photochemical oxidation of reactive organic gases in polluted atmospheres containing ozone and nitrogen oxides.
Natural sources
Formaldehyde can form as a result of forest fires, and is also present in animal wastes and the microbial products of biological systems. It can also be formed in seawater by photochemical processes.
Transport sources
Vehicle exhaust is a major source of formaldehyde.
Consumer products
Formaldehyde may be present in glues, fibreboard, particle board, furniture, textiles and some insulation. Formaldehyde-based resins are used in pressed wood, permanent press fabrics (clothing, manchester, draperies), wallpaper, paint, grocery bags and waxed paper. Detergents, cosmetics and other domestic chemicals (shampoos, hair conditioners and bubble baths) contain formaldehyde as an antimicrobial agent. Cigarettes, cigars and other tobacco products also contain formaldehyde.
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