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IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail
OHS Research
Research at the IRSST
Reference Framework
Scientists Directory
Publications and Tools
IRSST's Production
Magazine and Newsletter
Scientific Watch
Documentation Center
Useful Links
Laboratory Services
Laboratories
Analysis and Testing Services
Laboratory Methods
Masks Efficacy Evaluation
Workplace Air Contaminants
Slip Resistance Test for Protective Footwear
Loan, Calibration and Repairs
Recognition Programs
CQ Fibres
Quality Control of Fiber Counts
CQ Vrac
Recognized Laboratories
Interlaboratory quality
control program
Guides and Tools
Instruments and Sampling Material
Register
Research Fund and Partnerships
Research Fund and Partnerships
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Postdoctoral Fellowship
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substance
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substance
September 10, 2025
Formaldehyde
French name in the regulation:
Formaldéhyde
CAS :
50-00-0
Synonyms:
Aldéhyde formique
Exposure Standards in RROHS regulation
Permissible exposure values (PEV)
ppm
mg/m
3
f/cc
Notes
TWAEV
-
-
-
-
STEV
-
-
-
-
Ceiling
1,5
1,8
*
-
-
Carcinogenicity
C2
Sensitizer
R,D
Simple asphyxiant
Percutaneous
Prohibited use
Prohibited recirculation
Minimum exposure
Explosion hazard
Ototoxic
TWA adjustment for unusual work schedules
1A
: No adjustment
CNESST – Toxicological Index Service
Consult REPTOX file:
Formaldehyde
Analysis:
Formaldéhyde
Recommended method by the IRSST:
Method: MANUEL - ILD
Sampling protocol
Sampling device:
Parameters:
Flow rate: -
TWA sampling volume: -
STEL sampling volume: -
Remarks:
Refer to the user's guide accompanying the instrument.
Analytical protocol
Principle:
Direct reading instrument-Electrochemical cell (DRI-elec)
Remarks:
Formaldehyde quantified in the field with a DRI.
Reference
Direct Reading Instrument (DRI). Consult the manufacturer's manual.
Formaldéhyde
Method: IRSST - 385
Sampling protocol
Sampling device:
Sampling media required:
#IRSST
Description
2186
Orbo 23 tube 120/60 mg
Parameters:
Flow rate: 0,1 L/min
TWA sampling volume: 10 L
STEL sampling volume: -
Remarks:
Before and after sampling, tubes must be stored in a freezer.
Analytical protocol
Principle:
Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
Precision (%):
12
Minimum reported value:
5 µg
Remarks:
Eleven aldehydes are determined simultaneously: acetaldehyde, isobutyraldehyde, isovaleraldehyde, propionaldehyde, butyraldehyde, furfural, heptanal, hexanal, valeraldehyde, acroleine and formaldehyde. This method must not be used for the specific evaluation of formaldehyde; the methods to be used in this case are 357-1 and 400.
Reference
Dépistage des aldéhydes dans l'air par GC-MS. Méthode 385. Non publiée.
Formaldéhyde
Method: IRSST - 385
Sampling protocol
Sampling device:
Sampling media required:
#IRSST
Description
2188
XAD-2 120/60 mg impregnated with HMP
Parameters:
Flow rate: 0,1 L/min
TWA sampling volume: 10 L
STEL sampling volume: -
Remarks:
Before and after sampling, tubes must be stored in a freezer.
Analytical protocol
Principle:
Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
Precision (%):
12
Minimum reported value:
5 µg
Remarks:
Eleven aldehydes are determined simultaneously: acetaldehyde, isobutyraldehyde, isovaleraldehyde, propionaldehyde, butyraldehyde, furfural, heptanal, hexanal, valeraldehyde, acroleine and formaldehyde. This method must not be used for the specific evaluation of formaldehyde; the methods to be used in this case are 357-1 and 400.
Reference
Dépistage des aldéhydes dans l'air par GC-MS. Méthode 385. Non publiée.
Formaldéhyde
Method: IRSST - 400
Sampling protocol
Sampling device:
Sampling media required:
#IRSST
Description
2196
Impregnated silica gel with DNPH 300/150 mg + KI
Parameters:
Flow rate: 1,0 L/min
TWA sampling volume: 60 L
STEL sampling volume: 15 L
Remarks:
Before and after sampling, tubes must be stored in a freezer and away from light. Stable for at least 4 weeks after sampling.
Analytical protocol
Principle:
High performance liquid chromatography with UV detection (HPLC-UV)
Precision (%):
1,3
Minimum reported value:
0,15 µg
Reference
IRSST. Analyse du formaldéhyde haute sensibilité dans l'air. Méthode 400. Non Publiée
Formaldehyde
Method: IRSST - 422
Sampling protocol
Sampling device:
Sampling media required:
#IRSST
Description
2610
Dosimètre Passif aldehyde 571
Parameters:
Flow rate: 0,0162 L/min
TWA sampling volume: -
STEL sampling volume: -
Remarks:
For monitors, flow must be considered as being a sampling rate. According to the data from OSHA 1007 method Formaldehyde (Diffusive Samplers) published in 2005, the precision (CVsampling) of the sampling rate is 7.8%.
Analytical protocol
Principle:
High performance liquid chromatography with UV detection (HPLC-UV)
Precision (%):
1,7
Minimum reported value:
0,15 µg
Reference
IRSST. "Détermination des vapeurs de formaldéhyde et acétaldéhyde dans l'air par dosimétrie passive". Méthode 422. Non publié. - non publié
Following the amendment of Appendix 1 of the Quebec Regulation respecting occupational health and safety (RSST, RLRQ, c. S-2.1, r. 13), part of Quebec Occupational Health and Safety Act, which came into effect on March 26, 2020, the TWAEV, STEL and Ceiling values for certain substances are now expressed in
ppm
. For these substances, the IRSST performed the conversion calculations to express these TWAEV, TWA and Ceiling values in mg/m
3
, which thus appears in its Sampling Guide for Air Contaminants in the Workplace
(Guide d'échantillonnage des contaminants de l'air en milieu de travail )
and the associated Substance Data Sheets. However, it is imperative to refer to the values expressed in the RSST which are legally binding.
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