Is high temperature fumigation effective in removing formaldehyde?

Recently, there was an incident that went viral on the Internet. It was about a case in which a homeowner became unwell after moving in and died shortly afterwards due to the presence of formaldehyde in the home. Removing formaldehyde has always been a big deal, because formaldehyde is very harmful to the human body and we cannot see it with our naked eyes. Many people are looking for ways to remove formaldehyde. Is high-temperature fumigation effective?

High temperature can indeed speed up the volatilization of formaldehyde, but formaldehyde cannot be completely released at one time, so high-level operation is not very practical. There are other ways to remove formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a strong irritating odor. It is easily soluble in water and appears in the form of aqueous solution. Soluble in water, ethanol, alcohol and ether. Formaldehyde is a gas at room temperature, and a 35-40% formaldehyde aqueous solution is usually called formalin. The aldehyde group in the formaldehyde molecule undergoes condensation reaction to obtain phenolic resin (Bakelite). Formaldehyde is an important organic raw material, mainly used in the plastics industry (such as phenolic resin, urea-formaldehyde plastic - electroplating), synthetic fibers (such as synthetic vinylon - polyvinyl formal), leather industry, medicine, dyes, etc.

Method 1. Ventilation method

Generally, after a new house is renovated, the windows will be opened for ventilation for a period of time. It is best to open all the windows on opposite sides of the house to enhance air convection. In certain windless or low-wind conditions, if the formaldehyde concentration is too high, electric fans can be used to enhance convection. If you need to use an electric fan, a floor fan is better.

Method 2. Plant absorption method

Plants have a strong ability to absorb formaldehyde, such as cacti, spider plants, reeds, iron trees, chrysanthemums, etc. Usually, plants with large leaves and herbs absorb formaldehyde better, such as spider plants and tiger tail plants.

Method 3. Activated carbon adsorption method

Solid activated carbon has the characteristics of many pores and has a strong adsorption and decomposition effect on harmful substances such as formaldehyde. The smaller the activated carbon particles, the better the effect of adsorbing formaldehyde. Activated carbon is suitable for placing in small spaces such as furniture, and then used with Qingman Green Nano Photocatalyst to remove formaldehyde. If sprayed regularly once a week, the formaldehyde level can be reduced to 0.02. It can play a key role in the adsorption and decomposition of formaldehyde.

However, after using it for a period of time, the activated carbon will become saturated, so it must be exposed to the sun before reuse, otherwise the activated carbon will lose its adsorption effect.

Method 4: Put water indoors

Another simple method is to put a basin of water indoors. Since formaldehyde is soluble in water, putting a basin of water can allow the water to absorb some of the formaldehyde. If possible, you can also put some vinegar and salt in the water.