Top 10 Best Formaldehyde Detectors
for June 2023

Formaldehyde is a common indoor air pollutant, and our homes are often filled with it. According to the EPA, formaldehyde levels indoors should be between 0.5 and 3 parts per million (ppm). Levels of 10 ppm and higher are considered unsafe. Formaldehyde is commonly found in building materials, furnishings and textiles, as well as items made with paper, cardboard or textiles.

Formaldehyde detectors use a built-in sensor that draws air from a room, analyzes it and lets you know if the space is unsafe. Our lab puts every model that's sold in the U.S. through a series of tests. For testing, we evaluate the machine's accuracy, including its ability to detect low, medium, and high concentrations of formaldehyde. We also evaluate its ease of use, including ease of installation and clean up. Our experts also evaluate the machine's sensor and how long it takes for the machine to give an accurate reading. Finally, we test the machine's battery life.

These formaldehyde detectors are the best of the best, according to testing, consumer reviews and brands' specs. Here are the 10 best formaldehyde detectors you can buy in 2022:

Different Guide editors independently choose recommendations. Purchases made through our links may earn us commissions.

1
9.9
SCORE
Air Quality Monitor BIAOLING Accurate Tester for CO2 Formaldehyde(HCHO) TVOC PM2.5/PM10 Multifunctional Air Gas Detector Real Time Data&Mean Value Recording for Home Office and Various Occasion…

Air Quality Monitor BIAOLING Accurate Tester for CO2 Formaldehyde(HCHO) TVOC PM2.5/PM10 Multifunctional Air Gas Detector Real Time Data&Mean Value Recording for Home Office and Various Occasion…

by BIAOLING
What We like

Accurate detection of multiple gases, use the digital display to help you monitor air quality and adjust your living environment. The air quality monitor also provides more comprehensive and accurate air data than other brands.

2
9.6
SCORE
Air Quality Monitor YVELINES Air Quality Tester for CO2 Formaldehyde(HCHO) TVOC PM2.5/PM10 Multifunctional Air Gas Detector Real Time Data&Mean Value Recording for Home Office

Air Quality Monitor YVELINES Air Quality Tester for CO2 Formaldehyde(HCHO) TVOC PM2.5/PM10 Multifunctional Air Gas Detector Real Time Data&Mean Value Recording for Home Office

by YVELINES
What We like

As straightforward to use as is, this air quality monitor gives you peace of mind. The easy-to-read LCD displays and easily configured air quality alerts let you know when it's time to take action.

3
9.5
SCORE
Air Quality Monitor for HCHO, TVOC, Temperature and Humidity Indoor Outdoor Detector LCD Screen Formaldehyde Tester Built-in Rechargeable Battery for Monitoring in Cars, Nurseries, Home, Offices

Simbow Air Quality Monitor for HCHO

by Simbow
What We like

This affordable indoor air quality detector was the least expensive air quality monitor we tested. It is accurate, but lacks a few features that would make it useful.

4
9.1
SCORE
Air Quality Monitor Accurate Tester for CO2 Formaldehyde(HCHO) TVOC/AQI Multifunctional Air Gas Detector Real Time Data&Mean Value Recording for Home Office and Various Occasion

PalliPartners Air Quality Monitor Accurate Tester for CO2 Formaldehyde(HCHO) TVOC/AQI Multifunctional Air Gas Detector Real Time Data&Mean Value Recording for Home Office and Various Occasion

by PalliPartners
What We like

If you already own a CO detector or smoke detector, and you want to be able to monitor air quality in addition to that, this air quality monitor is just the tool for you. Multiple gases can be detected at the same time, and with a quick glance at the display you will know whether you need to take different actions. The air monitor is highly accurate, reliable, and alerts you with a loud beeping noise if there is too much CO or VOC in the air.

5
8.7
SCORE
Air Quality Monitor KONGTENBUY Handheld High Accuracy Formaldehyde Detector Indoor Air Meter for Testing HCHO TVOC, Real Time Air Quality Detector for Home, Office

Air Quality Monitor KONGTENBUY Handheld High Accuracy Formaldehyde Detector Indoor Air Meter for Testing HCHO TVOC

by N\C
What We like

The Kongtenbuy handheld air quality monitor is easy to use, and it's the only one we tested that measures both HCHO and TVOC. It's also the only one that uses AAA batteries instead of AA batteries.

6
8.7
SCORE
Air Quality Monitor Indoor for PM2.5/PM10 Formaldehyde Temperature and Humidity Professional Detector Real Time Display Air Quality Emoticons,Air Quality Tester for Home Offices and Various Occasions

S CHENGJIN Air Quality Monitor Indoor for PM2.5/PM10 Formaldehyde Temperature and Humidity Professional Detector Real Time Display Air Quality Emoticons

by S CHENGJIN
What We like

The Air Quality Monitor Indoor for PM2.5/PM10 Formaldehyde Temperature and Humidity Professional Detector Real Time Display Air Quality Emoticons,Air Quality Tester for Home Offices and Various Occasions is a useful tool for home and business users to track air quality and take action to protect their health.

7
8.7
SCORE
Air Quality Monitor,Formaldehyde Detector,Indoor Pollution Meter, Tester,Sensor, Tester,Temperature and Humidity, Multifunctional Air Detector PM2.5/PM10/HCHO/TVOC Real-Time

HEI LIANG AIR Air Quality Monitor

by HEI LIANG AIR
What We like

This air quality monitor has a host of features, including real-time monitoring, storage for up to 1,000 results, and a slim design.

8
8.7
SCORE
BIAOLING Air Quality Monitor,Pollution Meter,Formaldehyde Detector,Sensor,Tester;Detect & Test Indoor Pollution,Volatile Organic Compound Gas,Air Quality Monitor

BIAOLING Air Quality Monitor

by BIAOLING
What We like

This is a cool little gadget. The air quality monitor (which costs $40) can accurately detect Volatile Organic Compound (VOCs) and Formaldehyde (HCHO) levels at home. The readings are displayed on the little OLED screen.

9
8.5
SCORE
Air Quality Monitor Accurate Tester for CO2 Formaldehyde(HCHO) TVOC/AQI Multifunctional Air Gas Detector Real Time Data&Mean Value Recording for Home Office and Various Occasion.

HEI LIANG AIR Air Quality Monitor Accurate Tester for CO2 Formaldehyde(HCHO) TVOC/AQI Multifunctional Air Gas Detector Real Time Data&Mean Value Recording for Home Office and Various Occasion.

by HEI LIANG AIR
What We like

High sensitive CO(CO),PA(PA),NO(NO), NO2(NO2), SO2(SO2), O3(O3) gas detection with real time monitoring and averaging features.

10
8.4
SCORE
Cheffort Air Quality Monitor,6.3“LCD Screen,Formaldehyde Detector,Temperature & Humidity Meter,Pollution Tester;Detect PM2.5/PM10/PM1.0 Micron Dust,Test Indoor TVOC Volatile Organic Compound Gas

Cheffort Air Quality Monitor

by Cheffort
What We like

This easy-tooperate device is a good solution for the forgetful among us. If we know the air is polluted, we can take precautions, such as changing clothes or ventilating the room, and this portable air quality monitor allows us to know, at a glance, whether something's wrong.

Best Formaldehyde Detectors - A Guide to Buying and Using Them

Formaldehyde is an extremely toxic gas found in mineral fiber insulation, plastics, sealants, adhesives, paints, and sealers. It is extremely hazardous to the health of humans. Formaldehyde has a variety of uses in the modern world, but its use needs to be regulated. Formaldehyde detectors are used to detect the presence of this gas in the built environment. They measure the concentration of formaldehyde in the air and indicate its presence. A formaldehyde detector is a device that works with the gas sensor and detects the presence of formaldehyde (or other substances with a similar molecular formula). Formaldehyde detectors are intended for occupational safety and health applications. Formaldehyde detectors are available in various sizes and configurations. They are available in portable/handheld units, fixed mounted units, and units installed on walls. These devices are usually battery-powered or run on mains power. Indoor portable/handheld units typically measure formaldehyde at concentrations as low as 0.5 parts per million (ppm). Fixed mounted units typically measure concentrations from 0.5 ppm to 0.1 ppm. Wall-mounted units typically measure concentrations from 0.1 ppm to 0.1 ppb (parts per billion). Higher concentrations of formaldehyde, such as those found in contaminated buildings, typically require the use of fixed mounted units or wall-mounted units. Formaldehyde detectors measure formaldehyde concentration by monitoring the concentration level in ambient air with a gas sensor. The gas sensor is calibrated to respond to formaldehyde, typically at concentrations up to 0.1 ppm, with readings close in magnitude. Gas sensors can also be calibrated to respond to other compounds that have similar molecular formulae. The gas sensor then transmits the measured concentration level and calibration data to a receiver. The receiver then converts the data and displays the formaldehyde concentration level. Formaldehyde detectors can be used to detect formaldehyde at the workplace. They can be used to monitor the working conditions of building occupants. Formaldehyde detectors can also be deployed indoors to measure the concentration of this toxic gas in residential buildings. The following sections list the 10 best formaldehyde detectors.

What is formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a common chemical found in many household products, including glues, paints, and carpeting. It is colorless, odorless, and flammable. Formaldehyde is classified as a carcinogen, which means it can harm your health. Formaldehyde can be found in many different products, so it's important that you test them regularly for exposure. Tests for formaldehyde are readily available at your local hardware store. Formaldehyde is odorless and invisible, which means you can't tell if it's there unless you test it. The symptoms of formaldehyde exposure range from minor skin irritation to major health problems.

What are the causes of formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a colorless gas with a slightly sweet odor. It is produced naturally by plants. Formaldehyde is also a component of some household products including glue, hair spray, and carpeting. Formaldehyde is most often found in homes and offices with older heating systems, where there's high humidity. It is usually released into the home through heating ducts. These ducts can become blocked with dust and debris, which releases the formaldehyde gas into the home. High concentrations of formaldehyde can cause headaches, fever, and breathlessness. Long term exposure to low levels of formaldehyde can cause nausea, headaches, and dizziness.

What are the symptoms of formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring chemical produced by a chemical reaction between some sugars and proteins. It is used in the manufacture of resins, plastics, fibers, papers, and pharmaceuticals. Inhaling or exposing to formaldehyde can cause headaches, eye irritation, dizziness, nausea, and wheezing. Formaldehyde gas can also be detected in a building's air or indoor air. Formaldehyde gas can be released into the air as a result of heating, cooling, and ventilation equipment. It can also be released when furniture, carpet, or insulation is treated with formaldehyde-based products. Removing formaldehyde gas from the air can be difficult because formaldehyde gas is a heavier molecule than air; it often settles on walls, floors, and other surfaces. It can be removed using a HEPA vacuum. When looking for a formaldehyde detector, there are several factors you should take into account. Some detectors can tell users if levels of formaldehyde gas are present, while others are designed only to detect the concentration levels at a specific location. Some detectors are portable and can be used in homes and offices; others are designed for use in large industrial settings, such as warehouses or manufacturing plants. A portable detector is easier to use in your home or office, while a detector designed for use in a large industrial setting will be larger and more expensive.

Where can people are exposed to formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a chemical compound that occurs naturally in plants, animals, and humans. Exposure to formaldehyde can cause health problems, including allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and headaches. Formaldehyde can be found in building materials, furnishings, and products made with them. It can be found in things like insulation, paint, flooring, and particleboard. Formaldehyde can also leach out of certain products over time. Furniture made of wood, particleboard, or plywood that is kept wet or damp for a long time can release formaldehyde into the air.

What are some of the signs of a formaldehyde leak?

A formaldehyde detector can let you know if you have a leak in your home. There are several warning signs you should look out for that indicate there is a leak.
Formaldehyde levels: Formaldehyde is a colorless gas that can cause headaches, watery eyes and other symptoms. It can also irritate the mucous membranes and cause coughing.
Watery eyes: Watery eyes can be caused by formaldehyde.
Sneezing, coughing: Some individuals will sneeze and cough due to formaldehyde.

Conclusion

This list is made up of the best formaldehyde detectors currently available. I hope you've found this post helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment.

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