Because of the unique physical and chemical properties of formaldehyde, there are very few substances that can substitute this chemical used in such a wide variety of everyday items. In fact, for how often it’s used and as important as it is, you may not even be aware of its applications. Let’s take a look at the most common uses of formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde in Construction
Formaldehyde is used in the creation of most aspects of a house—from household appliances like cabinets and plumbing, to the paint and shingles that give your home a flourishing aesthetic. While the final product of such applications typically lacks any major traces of formaldehyde, it makes for an important building block and adhesive in the creation of particle boards, plywood, insulation, and roofing that actually makes up the basics of what a house even is.
Formaldehyde in Automobiles
Similar to construction, formaldehyde is widely used in the construction of automobiles. Just about every facet of a car includes the use of formaldehyde as an essential building block in its construction. This includes sealants for the windows and doors when they’re closed, and adhesive to keep the bumper, spoiler, or interior panels onto the car.
Formaldehyde in Pharmaceuticals
Now more than ever, one of the most common uses of formaldehyde is in pharmaceuticals. Hard-gel capsules, medication, and vaccines all need formaldehyde for their creation. Vaccines are especially important as COVID rages on, and formaldehyde is a key part of making the virus inactive so that our bodies learn how to battle the disease without actually making us sick. Without formaldehyde, vaccines would just be the quickest way to infect ourselves.
Formaldehyde in Biology
If you’ve ever taken a high school biology course, you’ve probably had to dissect a frog or pig. In order to keep the cadavers fresh, the bodies are kept within formaldehyde, which preserves them thanks to its powerful preservative properties. This has allowed more serious fields and experiments into biology to dissect and learn more about other animals and even ourselves, all thanks to formaldehyde delaying the rate of decay.
