Chemistry is an enormous field that’s always growing. If you specialize in one kind of chemistry, you’ll find it’s impossible to keep up with all the new scientific advancements happening in other branches. Often, those advancements help us find new uses for chemicals we’re already familiar with, such as formaldehyde. Check out these three interesting facts about formaldehyde you probably didn’t know.
1. Humans Produce Formaldehyde
Did you know that the human body produces formaldehyde? Many people wrongly assume that formaldehyde is a synthetic compound that scientists concoct in a lab when it’s actually an organic compound. Organic compounds are chemicals that occur naturally through processes like animal metabolism. Every day, you make about 1.5 ounces of formaldehyde by consuming and digesting food.
2. Formaldehyde Occurs Naturally in Produce
There are many rumors on the internet about why formaldehyde is in some foods, such as fruits and veggies. Lots of these rumors speculate that food manufacturers add formaldehyde as a preservative. While that happens occasionally, formaldehyde also occurs naturally in many foods like apples and bananas. As the food ripens, it actually produces formaldehyde. So the formaldehyde in your food isn’t always an additive.
3. Formaldehyde Is One of the Most-Studied Chemicals
Scientists have been carefully studying formaldehyde and its effects on human health for over 40 years. All these years of research have shed light on how to safely handle formaldehyde, as well as how formaldehyde can impact your health. Although formaldehyde is an organic compound, you should still understand its risks and exposure limits because it’s a dangerous chemical. It’s best to consult professionals when doing anything that involves formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde’s Many Uses
In addition to learning these three interesting facts about formaldehyde, you should know that formaldehyde has a range of applications you may not know about. Formalin, one of formaldehyde’s derivatives, is a common disinfectant in medical environments and even funeral homes. People also use it to make resins for paints and wood stains for homes. It’s an incredibly versatile compound.
Find a Chemical Partner
Are you looking for a formaldehyde company to partner with you on your next project? Contact Capital Resin. We’re a formaldehyde manufacturer in Columbus, Ohio, with years of experience helping clients. We also make a number of other chemicals and offer toll manufacturing services, shipping and packaging assistance, and research and development. Need a custom compound? We work with clients to create unique products as well. Contact us to learn more.
