Formalin. What is this substance?

Many people have heard of such a substance as formalin. What is this chemical compound? It is often called a form. It is a solution of formaldehyde (36.5-40%). As a stabilizer, it contains methyl alcohol (4-12%). This colorless transparent liquid has a sharp odor. It can be mixed with alcohol and water in any proportions.

Formalin: what is it?

This substance is most often used as a disinfectant. Its solutions (0.5-1%) are used for washing the skin with a strong sweating (legs, in the armpits) and bromidrosis (a sharp smell of sweat). Formalin effectively reduces the secretion of epidermal glands, but it can not be used on a daily basis. In some cases, it is used for syringing (at a concentration of 0.05%), washing crypt tonsils (0.25%). This substance is a part of preparations "Lizoform", "Formidron", "Formalin Ointment", "Paste Teymurova".

Side effects when using this solution: irritation and drying of the skin, which disappears when lubricating it with a fat cream or vegetable oil. Formalin, the use of which is contraindicated in inflammatory processes or irritation of the epidermis, can be used only after their elimination.

To disinfect medical instruments and things of patients, this solution is also used. The application in this case provides only 0.5% formalin. What is this preparation? For use in medical purposes only 10% solution is produced in 100 ml glass vials. Store formalin in a well-closed container in a dark place at a temperature of not less than 9 ° C. This substance is considered toxic to humans and animals.

Chemical composition of formalin

How is formalin obtained? The formula for this substance is CH ₂ O. Formaldehyde (formic aldehyde ), which is a colorless gas with an odoriferous odor, turns into a clear liquid upon cooling to -21 ° C. The melting point is -92 ° C. When oxidized, it turns into formic acid. Formaldehyde is obtained by the action of air oxygen on methyl alcohol in the form of vapors in the presence of catalysts. Of these, silver was particularly productive, although the industry uses more affordable copper. The resulting distillation accumulates water, resulting in the production of formalin. It may contain impurities of acetone, acetic acid or formic acid. When the formalin is evaporated in the residue, a dense mass of polymers insoluble in cold water is obtained.

Properties of formalin

This substance causes irreversible changes in protoplasmic proteins. Moreover, it necrotic and mummifies tissues. When this solution is applied to bacterial cells, their proteins are denatured. In 5% of the mold, sporic fungi die in 0.5 hours. Under the influence of formalin, the hemoglobin of the blood becomes methemoglobin (the product of oxidation by poisons). For prolonged storage in a cold room, this solution becomes cloudy. A whitish precipitate forms - paraformaldehyde.

Use of a solution of formaldehyde

Formalin is used as a convenient source of formaldehyde, used in the production of polyvinylformal. It is also indispensable as an antiseptic for disinfecting rooms, tools, clothes, tanning raw materials. It is used for embalming organic substances (organisms and organs). Formalin, the use of which is not surprising for the preservation of anatomical preparations, is also used as a fungicide. Many plant growers etch this seed seeds, tubers, root crops before planting and sowing.

Formalin, the quality of which is controlled by GOST 1625-89, is used in the manufacture of synthetic resins, surfactants, rubber, polyhydric alcohols and certain other methylene derivatives. A formaldehyde solution is also used in the textile industry. It is used to improve the consumer properties of the fabric for resistance to shrinkage and creasing. In the paper industry, formalin improves the quality of paper and its strength.

Precautions when working with formalin

When buying this substance, do not forget about how formalin can be dangerous. What are these precautions? The warranty period of storage of this substance from the date of manufacture is 90 days. Formalin is sold in vials, jerricans, barrels. A solution of formaldehyde should be kept as far from children as possible. When taking formalin inside, there is burning and pain in the esophagus and stomach. After that, vomiting appears with blood. Also, when formalin is poisoned, coughing, sneezing, hyperthermia of the mucous eyes, dyspnea occur. A person can experience cramps, dizziness, panic attacks. In some cases, formalin poisoning results in a fatal outcome, which occurs as a result of paralysis of breathing and asphyxiation. Lethal dose - 10-15 ml of 35% solution. The smell of formalin in high concentrations can also cause an allergic reaction.