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Formaldehyde (Formaldehyde, methanal, formaldehyde, E240)
Formaldehyde is a substance that is the first member in the series of aliphatic aldehydes. Registered as a food additive-preservative, in the international classification of formaldehyde assigned the index E240.
General Characteristics of E240 Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde (from lat. formica-ant) is an aldehyde that looks like a gaseous substance without color, with a strong unpleasant smell, well soluble in water (calorizator). The substance is known by other names-formic aldehyde, methanal, often used in the form of an aqueous solution-formalin.
Chemical formula CH2=O.
Harm of E240
Nominally considered a food additive, formaldehyde is not used in the food industry, because its carcinogenic effect is scientifically proven, often leading to cancer. Entering the human body through the respiratory tract, an overdose causes the development of nasopharyngeal tumors. Ingestion of 10-50 grams of 35% formalin is considered a lethal dose.
Application of E240 in industry
If formaldehyde is dissolved in methyl alcohol and water, you get the well-known formalin. Formalin has antiseptic and preservative properties, as well as the ability to curdle proteins, which is used in the process of tanning gelatin, for the manufacture of photographic and film films, for the creation of biomodels, as well as in the field of funeral services (embalming the bodies of the dead).
Formaldehyde is used in medicine as a preservative for vaccines, in the chemical industry and in the production of explosives. The main use of formaldehyde is in the production of chipboard materials, where it is used as a raw material for urea resins.
Use of E240
On the territory of our country, Formaldehyde is included in the list of substances that are carcinogenic, and is not used in the food industry.