chemistry
I work in a pathology lab and need to know what happens when formaldehyde is mixed with chlorine bleach...the chemical formula would be:
H2C(OH)2 + NaClO
Can anybody out there help me, please?
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Answers
When formaldehyde (H2C(OH)2) and chlorine bleach (NaClO) are mixed, the reaction between them produces toxic gases such as formic acid (HCOOH) and hypochlorous acid (HClO). Formic acid is a corrosive, carcinogenic gas that can cause serious respiratory irritation and bronchial inflammation, while hypochlorous acid is a corrosive, irritating gas that is chemically active and can cause skin and eye irritation. Both of these gases can easily escape into the atmosphere and accumulate in the environment, where they can cause health problems to humans and animals.
