Determination of formaldehyde in indoor air by active and passive sampling methods

Abstract

Formaldehyde (HCHO), the simplest molecule of the aldehyde group, is a toxic gas commonly found in indoor air. Many analysis methods have been developed to determine concentrations of formaldehyde in air, including sampling methods (active sampling and passive sampling), analytical methods (spectrophotometry, chromatography), and sensors. In general, the active sampling method is the standard and widely used method, and the passive sampling method is relatively simple, low-cost, and easy to implement. Gas sensing, meanwhile, is a quick detection method and has a lot of research potential. The purpose of this article is to compare analytical methods of formaldehyde in air and to summarize their advantages and disadvantages. This paper also focuses on HCHO passive samplers (the principle of operation, sampler geometries (tube, badge), validation experiments in the laboratory, and their applications in the determination of HCHO in personal/indoor air.