Compact Formaldehyde Monitor (CH2O or HCHO) Extech FM100

The FM100 features both audible and visual alarms, "ZERO" Re-Calibration function, Manual Temperature and Relative Humidity Compensation (adjustable), CH2O Calibration function in fresh air and a low battery indicator. Product is CE certified and has a year warranty. Complete with universal AC adaptor (including US, EU, UK, and AU plugs), user's manual and 4 AAA batteries.

Key Features:

• Alternately displays Formaldehyde concentration, Air Temperature, and Relative Humidity readings (cycles approximately every 6 seconds)
• Visible bright tri-colored (green, yellow, red) LED alarm indicator
• Selectable CH₂O unit as ppm or mg/m³
• Adjustable audible alarm for readings exceeding set point (default at 0.08ppm)
• ZERO Re-Calibration function
• Manual Temperature and Relative Humidity Compensation (adjustable)
• Designed with Electrochemical CH₂O sensor
• CH₂O Calibration function in fresh air
• Low battery indicator
• Complete with universal AC adaptor (including US, EU, UK, and AU plugs), and 4 AAA batteries

The importance of measuring formaldehyde

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has determined that formaldehyde can be considered a reasonable human carcinogen (NTP). The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has determined that formaldehyde is carcinogenic to humans.

This determination was based on specific decisions that there is limited evidence in humans and sufficient evidence in laboratory animals that formaldehyde can cause cancer.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that formaldehyde is a probable human carcinogen based on limited evidence in humans and sufficient evidence in laboratory animals.

Safety and health issues

Workers can be exposed during the direct production, treatment of materials and production of resins. Health professionals, pathology and histology technicians, teachers and students handling preserved specimens are potentially at high risk of exposure. Consumers can receive exposure through building materials, cosmetics, furniture and textiles.

Short-term exposure may be fatal (empirical studies); however, the odor threshold is low enough for irritation of the eyes and mucous membranes to occur before these levels are reached. Long-term exposure to low concentrations of formaldehyde may cause respiratory distress, emphysema, and sensitization.

Formaldehyde at concentrations above the threshold is classified as human carcinogenic and has been linked to lung and nasal cancer and possible brain cancer and leukemia.