The first step we are going to take is to discover the etymological origin of the term formaldehyde that concerns us now. In this case, we can establish that it derives from Latin, since it is the result of the sum of two lexical components of said language:
-The noun “formica”, which can be translated as “ant”.
-The suffix “-ol”, which is used to refer to what alcohols are.
Formol is an aqueous solution of formic aldehyde , a flammable and volatile chemical compound also known as formaldehyde . An aldehyde is the first product obtained from the oxidation of certain alcohols : in the case of formic aldehyde, it is the gas resulting from the oxidation of methyl alcohol.
When formic aldehyde or formaldehyde is dissolved in 40% water, the substance called formalin is obtained. It is a liquid that lacks color and is characterized by its penetrating odor.
Formol is usually used to preserve biological samples . Companies that provide funeral services , for example, can use formaldehyde to preserve a corpse, preventing its degradation and decomposition. In this way, the body treated with formaldehyde can be placed in the coffin for the wake.
Another use of formaldehyde is linked to disinfection . Many times this solution is used to sterilize surgical and medical instruments.
In the field of cosmetology , aesthetics and personal hygiene , there is great controversy around formaldehyde. As a preservative it can appear in bath creams and shampoos. They also use it in beauty salons to achieve permanent hair straightening. However, in various regions these uses have been prohibited as they represent a health risk.
In the case of the European Union, it must be established that the relevant authorities have very controlled and ensured the use of formaldehyde in the manufacture of products related to cosmetics and beauty in general, given its danger.
Formol is only allowed in certain small quantities because, upon coming into contact with the substance, ingesting it or inhaling it, a person can suffer various damages due to its toxicity . Formol can cause headache, nausea, vomiting and irritation: in extreme cases, poisoning even leads to death .
Other information of interest about formalin are the following:
-It is considered that it was discovered in the second half of the 19th century, specifically in 1859, by the Russian chemist Aleksandr Butlerov (1828 – 1886). However, we had to wait a few years later for it to be identified correctly. And that is something that the German chemist August Wilhelm von Hofmann (1818 – 1892) did.
-It is used in a large number of products: paper, antiseptics, carpets, fertilizer, plywood, certain medications...
-It must be established that studies carried out with the aforementioned formaldehyde have concluded that it is carcinogenic. Thus, the World Health Organization (WHO) has dictated it when it was discovered that in studies with animals it caused cancer due to continued concentrations that exceeded 6 ppm in the breathed air.