Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde analysis is the determination of the amount of formaldehyde remaining in or released from the product. The method varies depending on the matrix: IN TEXTILES, residual formaldehyde from crease-free finishing and printing aids is measured by water extraction (ISO 14184-1) or vapor absorption (ISO 14184-2). tanning and finishing process residue on LEATHER is determined by ISO 17226. IN WOODEN PANEL AND FURNITURE, the formaldehyde released from the glue into the air is measured by the chamber (EN 717-1) or gas analysis (ISO 12460-3) method, and the panel content is measured by the perforator method (ISO 12460-5). In COSMETICS, the amount released by formaldehyde-releasing preservatives is analyzed.

The purpose is to determine whether the product complies with the limits for formaldehyde that comes into contact with skin or affects indoor air quality. Formaldehyde is restricted in many markets due to skin irritation and respiratory effects.

• Wrinkle-free finished fabrics and printed textiles
• Baby, children and underwear products
• Leather shoes, linings, gloves and clothing
• Particleboard, MDF and plywood panels
• Wooden furniture and panel based products
• Cosmetic products containing formaldehyde-releasing preservatives

• TS EN ISO 14184-1 (textile — free and hydrolyzed formaldehyde, water extraction)
• TS EN ISO 14184-2 (textile — released formaldehyde, vapor absorption)
• TS EN ISO 17226-1 / -2 (leather — HPLC and colorimetric method)
• TS EN 717-1 (wooden panel — formaldehyde release by room method)
• TS EN ISO 12460-3 (wooden panel — gas analysis method)
• TS EN ISO 12460-5 (wooden panel — perforator method, panel content)
• JIS L 1041

Textiles

Water extraction, at the temperature and time defined in the standard

Leather

Aqueous extraction; Coloring by HPLC or acetylacetone

wood panel

In an air-conditioned room or gas analysis cabin; temperature, humidity and air exchange rate are controlled

Measurement

Spectrophotometric reading or HPLC by acetylacetone method

Unit

mg/kg in textile and leather; mg/m³ or mg/m²·hour in panel release

• Water bath and shaker
• UV/Vis spectrophotometer
• HPLC
• Steam absorption device
• Formaldehyde release chamber (EN 717-1)
• Gas analysis cabinet and perforator assembly

• Approximately 1 g representative sample in textiles and leather
• The sample should be stored in an airtight container; formaldehyde is volatile
• Separate samples for each color, finish and component
• A sample of a defined surface area on a wooden panel with edges sealed according to the standard
• The time between sample collection and analysis should be kept short.

Textile and leather analyzes are generally completed within one to two business days. The chamber method in wood paneling is noticeably longer: the sample must be balanced in the chamber and the measurement is made only after this equilibrium has been achieved.

1. 1The sample is prepared according to the matrix and weighed or cut to defined surface area.
2. 2Aqueous extraction is performed on textile and leather under standard-defined conditions.
3. 3In the wooden panel, the sample is placed in a conditioned room or gas analysis cabinet.
4. 4The extract or collected air sample is prepared.
5. 5It is colored with acetylacetone and measured in a spectrophotometer or directly in HPLC.
6. 6The result is calculated in the unit appropriate to the matrix.

The acceptance criterion is the limit value in the target market's legislation or specification. In textile and leather, the limit differs depending on the product's skin contact status and age group; The strictest limit applies to baby products. Emission classes (such as E1) in wooden panels are defined in the product standard. The limit to be applied is confirmed by the current legislation and standard text.

The difference in method is decisive: ISO 14184-1 and -2 results are different for the same product; In wood, the perforator (panel content) and the chamber method (release to air) measure completely different quantities and are not converted to each other. The report clearly states which method was applied and which limit the result was compared to.

• Sample description, matrix and color/finish information
• Standard and section applied
• Result and determination limit, in the unit appropriate to the matrix
• Room conditions and air exchange rate in wood
• Compared limit value and its source

EUROLAB holds internationally recognised accreditation obtained from accreditation bodies party to the IAF and ILAC multilateral recognition arrangements, under ISO/IEC 17025 for laboratory testing, ISO/IEC 17020 for inspection and surveillance, and ISO/IEC 17021-1 and ISO/IEC 17065 for system and product certification. This chain ensures the reports and certificates issued are accepted worldwide.

Whether this test can be offered within accredited scope depends on your product and the standard applied; since accreditation is method-based, the scope is confirmed in writing at the quotation stage.

• (EC) 1907/2006 REACH
• (EU) 2023/1464 (formaldehyde restriction)
• Cosmetic Products Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 (labelling obligation)

The section below describes the field that the Formaldehyde test belongs to; the conditions and acceptance criteria of this particular test are given in the sections above. The scope specific to your product is confirmed in writing at the quotation stage.

• Azo Dyes
• Heavy Metals
• Phthalates
• PFAS
• Flammability
• REACH
• Antibacterial
• Fiber Composition
• GSM
• Tear
• Bursting
• Pilling