What method should be used to eliminate formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a toxic substance present in many newly renovated places. If such substances are inhaled for a long time, it can easily cause cancer, so formaldehyde must be removed in time. There are many ways to remove formaldehyde, but the most effective and simple one is to ventilate the enclosed space so that natural wind can carry away the formaldehyde. The second most effective way is to use activated carbon.

1. Ventilation method

There is no need to explain the ventilation method in detail. It is to discharge harmful gases to the outside through the flow of air. This is a simple and effective method. The only drawback is that the formaldehyde release cycle is long, generally three to fifteen years. It is obviously unrealistic to leave the new house vacant for more than three years after decoration. Therefore, ventilation alone cannot meet the requirements.

2. Formaldehyde scavenger or formaldehyde dissolving enzyme

Formaldehyde removers "remove" formaldehyde through chemical reactions. The essence of this method is to reduce the toxicity of the target substance or convert it into a non-toxic substance. Formaldehyde can be oxidized into formic acid or reduced into methanol. Although the toxicity and irritation of these two substances are lower than that of formaldehyde, their toxicity still exists. For example, some highly oxidizing formaldehyde removers can oxidize formaldehyde, but they are easy to decompose. Spraying them on wooden boards will not only damage the wood, but will also lose their effectiveness within a few hours, making it impossible to achieve "one spray and forever." Moreover, high concentrations of cleaners sprayed into the air will create new pollution hazards to humans. Other oxidants and reducing agents cannot effectively remove formaldehyde and may introduce similar new pollution.

3. Activated carbon adsorption

Activated carbon does have an effect in the initial stages of use, but its adsorption capacity is limited. Activated carbon generally has a certain adsorption effect on benzene, but the adsorption effect on formaldehyde is not obvious. Generally, the adsorption capacity of activated carbon will weaken after one month.

4. Photocatalyst removes formaldehyde

Photocatalyst is a product of the highest quality for removing formaldehyde. To work, photocatalyst needs to be stimulated by ultraviolet light. However, ultraviolet light cannot always be present in the room, especially in drawers, the backs of cabinets and other places where formaldehyde is released most seriously, where there is no light. This limits the effect of photocatalyst.

5. Plants absorb formaldehyde

Plants can absorb some harmful substances through photosynthesis, such as: spider plants, aloe vera, cacti, peace lilies, green radish, agave, tiger tail orchid, ivy, osmanthus, Brazilian dragon bones, Milan, Monstera, etc. However, the effectiveness of such methods is extremely limited. Plants carry out photosynthesis and generally absorb some harmful substances during the day, but they do not have this function at night. People generally live outdoors during the day and indoors at night. When people need air purification the most, plants cannot play a corresponding role.