Prediction of formaldehyde release from durable press treated fabrics

Release of formaldehyde from durable press treated fabrics is a problem for human health and safety because formaldehyde is a suspected carcinogen. A method for measuring the formaldehyde released under different conditions is a necessary step in controlling formaldehyde release. Many release methods are static in that they measure the equilibrium concentrations of formaldehyde released. Dynamic methods measure the actual continuous release of formaldehyde that would occur during fabric storage or use. A computer-controlled apparatus for determining release of formaldehyde under dynamic conditions has been developed. The apparatus allows for variation of temperature and humidity to determine the effect of exposure conditions on release. The amount of formaldehyde released is found to have a direct positive linear relationship with both temperature and relative humidity.