Formaldehyde Detection and Control in the Wood Industry

Formaldehyde evolving from phenol-resorcinol formaldehyde glulam adhesives was contaminating working atmosphere in a glulam plant, causing worker complaints. A sampling and analytical method for determining formaldehyde concentration is described. The amount of formaldehyde was determined over an extended time period encompassing the following variables: temperature, humidity, glue type, and product being manufactured. Only glue type influenced formaldehyde concentration, a low-odor glue evolving 0.2 – 0.4 ppm while an odorless glue evolved 0.1-3.0 ppm. Workers complained when the level was greater than 1.0 ppm. A means was developed for screening glulam adhesives in the laboratory to determine their odor-release properties and suitability for plant use. Adhesives evolving more than 2.0 /4 ml at any interval of the 60 minute test were deemed unsuitable for use.

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