How to Test Formaldehyde Presence in Air Fresheners

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), most store-bought air fresheners consist of formaldehyde, petrochemicals, p-dichlorobenzene and aerosol pollutants [source: EPA]. The agency's "Indoor Guide to Air Quality" also notes that air fresheners "release pollutants more or less continuously" [source: EPA].

This test is a qualitative determination of formaldehyde presence in Air Fresheners.

1. Put a small amount of Air Freshener in a small beaker, usually 1-5 ml.

2. Add 3 ml of Sufuric Acid

3. Add a couple or three drops of Schiffs solution.

Schiffs reagent preparation is found here:

4. A distinct and dark pink color formation is an indication that formaldehyde is present in the Air Freshener.

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