What is Formaldehyde?

Remove Formaldehyde With Activated Carbon

The only way to actually remove formaldehyde from indoor air is with an air purifier that contains a deep-bed activated carbon filter. Not every air purifier can remove formaldehyde. In fact, the models available in most department stores won’t have the filters required to remove formaldehyde and other dangerous chemicals. They often rely on HEPA filters alone, which only trap particles and dust.

How Activated Carbon Removes Formaldehyde

The best option for chemical and odor filtration is granular activated carbon. Activated carbon is made from natural substances such as charcoal or coconut shell. It is treated with oxygen to make it extremely porous, so that it can adsorb chemicals, gases and odors from gases or liquids. Adsorption (different from absorption) describes a chemical reaction between volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde and the surface of the activated carbon, literally trapping the formaldehyde in the carbon. That means the more activated carbon you have, the longer it will efficiently adsorb VOCs like formaldehyde. If you combine an activated carbon and HEPA filter in an air purifier, you will also get the added bonus of fewer particles, microorganisms and allergens floating around.

Carbon: The Most Efficient Way To Remove VOCs

Air purifiers with activated carbon filters can eliminate formaldehyde and hundreds of other chemicals from the ambient air. Activated carbon has a high-efficiency rating when it comes to removing formaldehyde. In one independent test, an air purifier with an 18 lb. activated carbon filter was able to remove high levels of formaldehyde from a closed-off room in under six hours. Need an Air Purifier? take a look at what AllerAir has to offer.