Aldehydes are organic compounds marked by the presence of the functional group C = O, also called carbonyl group. A functional group is an atom or specific groups of atoms that provide the compounds with special chemical properties – mainly reactive.

Formaldehyde belongs to the aldehydes’ category, and it can be considered as the its simplest example. It can be found in very low concentrations even in many foods (fruit and vegetable) and it is commonly used in several fields.

With its strong bactericidal action, it is largely used in the healthcare sector and for food preservation (it may be identified with E240).

However, its toxic features require a particular attention during handling. If inhaled or in case of contact, it is necessary to follow specific measures. In recent times, formaldehyde has been officially classified as carcinogen due to its health impact on those who have been exposed to it. This is the reason why nowadays in the ceramic production’s emission analysis it is spun off from other aldehydes.