formaldehyde (molecular formula: hcho) is colorless and has a pungent, irritating odour. as a toxicant, it can also interact with proteins. so inhaling of high concentration of formaldehyde may lead to severe irritation and inflammability to respiratory tract, eye irritation, headache, bronchus and asthma. furthermore, dermatitis, stains and necrosis would be caused if it comes in direct contact with the skin.
formaldehyde is easily dissolved in water, alcohol and ether. its water solution with 35% to 40% formaldehyde is also known as “formalin”, which is commonly applied as a preservative. in addition, it is widely applied as reactants in finishing auxiliaries for textiles, such as resin finishing agents, fixing agent, softener and bender. in our daily life, we may find formaldehyde present in synthetic textiles, garments, leather, bedding and curtains.
regulations
- eu safety of toys en 71-9
- oeko-tex®standard 100
- eu regulation (eu) no 10/2011 for food contact plastic materials
- german standard lfgb for food contact materials
- china gb 18401 national general safety technical code for textile products
- other related regulations
formaldehyde restrictions
substance | standard | requirement |
formaldehyde cas: 50-00-0 ec: 200-001-8 | safety of toys en 71-9 | textiles of toys:≤30mg/kg (test method: en iso 1418-1) |
paper:≤30mg/kg (test method: en 645 and en 1541) | ||
plywood parts shall not release more than 80mg/kg formaldehyde (test method: en 717-3) | ||
oeko-tex standard 100 | products for babies (under 36 months of age, excluding leather articles): nd | |
products with direct contact to skin:≤75mg/kg | ||
products without direct contact to skin(or with only a little part of their surface in direct contact with the skin):≤300mg/kg | ||
decoration material:≤300mg/kg |
c&k testing can provide professional testing for formaldehyde as per the requirements in different regulations, directives or standards. besides, we can render you one-stop solutions integrating consulting, testing and certification. please feel free to contact if any question. staffed by experienced specialists, c&k testing can assure you of the quality and safety of your products by our professional testing services as per different standards.
quick navigation