This page introduces the analysis of aldehydes in air. Aldehydes are among thirteen types of regulated hazardous air pollutants (substances that may have an adverse effect on human health if ingested continuously and that are also a cause of environmental pollution). The Japanese Offensive Odor Control Act prescribes the measurement of aldehydes within the boundaries of a factory. Shown are examples of gas chromatography (GC) analysis of propionaldehyde, butylaldehyde, and valeraldehyde, which are controlled components under the Japanese Offensive Odor Control Law, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and ketones that react with DNPH.
This separation/analysis instrument is widely used for the quantitative analysis of chemical substances. It is used with a detector and column combination that suits the analysis target components. The Flame Thermionic Detector (FTD) is highly selective for nitrogen compounds and offers high-sensitivity measurements for the analysis of aldehydes.
