AUDIBLE FORMALDEHYDE MONITORING DEVICE

DESCRIPTION: (Adapted from Investigator's Abstract) A passive formaldehyde monitoring device capable of emitting an audible warning signal is described. Monitoring exposure to formaldehyde is mandated by OSHA for certain industries. Currently, passive collection devices typically contain absorbent material that physically entraps formaldehyde from the air; laboratory analysis of the formaldehyde in these devices can take extensive time periods. The monitoring device proposed herein is a biosensor capable of detecting low ppm levels of formaldehyde from the atmosphere. Formaldehyde triggers a series of electrochemical reactions that power an audible signal device contained within the monitor. The amounts and ratios of biosensor materials may be adjusted to trigger the alarm at desired, predetermined concentrations of formaldehyde. This obviates the need for laboratory analysis, enables immediate determination that exposure limits have been exceeded, and permits rapid steps to be taken to ameliorate a toxic exposure episode.