Most of us remember hearing about formaldehyde in science class and know scientists use it for things like preserving frogs in jars. However, formaldehyde has several more common and practical uses.
But first, what is formaldehyde? Formaldehyde is a strong-smelling organic compound that exists as a colorless gas at room temperature; it also has a grand history in the field of chemistry. This gas blends well with water to create a mixture called formalin—when we see those frogs in jars, it's generally formalin since the compound is in liquid form. Whether industries use formalin or formaldehyde, here are some of the most frequent uses you may encounter in your daily life.
Uses in Building Materials
Companies frequently use formaldehyde in building materials such as particleboard or resins. Using formaldehyde in wood allows for greater sustainability and helps fill in gaps when trying to utilize wood that would otherwise get thrown away. Experts ensure that the amount of the chemical used in wood products doesn't present any risk to people.
Uses in Food
Formaldehyde may not seem like the type of product we want in our food, but chemists and nutritionists have found ways to use this organic compound to our advantage. In a similar principle to how a jar of formalin preserves specimens, formaldehyde works to extend the shelf life of certain foods, keeping them safe and edible for greater periods of time. Experts frequently use the gas as a method of preservation for foods like fruits, fish, and vegetables.
Uses in Cleaning Products
One of the most common and practical uses of formaldehyde is in our everyday cleaning products. It's easy to imagine the chemical in certain detergents, but you can also find it in paper towels and, surprisingly, many air fresheners. You wouldn't expect a gas known for its pungent and unpleasant aroma to work as an air freshener, but it works great as an ingredient for keeping the air around us clean and fragrant.
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