Monitoring the environment

Formaldehyde levels in Victorian air 2005–07


Formaldehyde is an industrial solvent and chemical, and a by-product of combustion.

We have monitored formaldehyde at three sites (Eltham in 2005–06, Carlton in 2006–07 and Traralgon in 2007).

The levels of formaldehyde are presented as 24-hour measurements rather than annual average concentrations, as the monitoring investigation level is established on a 24-hour basis.

All levels measured were below the investigation level.

We have not identified the source of the higher concentrations reported on two days in Eltham. Despite being raised, the levels on these days remained below the health-based monitoring investigation level.

24-hour formaldehyde concentrations for Eltham 2005–06 (ppb)

Formaldehyde eltham

ppb: parts per billion (for every one billion litres of air there is one litre of the pollutant)

The detailed results for this graph are also available on this website.

24-hour formaldehyde concentrations for Carlton 2006–07 (ppb)

Formaldehyde carlton

ppb: parts per billion

The detailed results for this graph are also available on this website.

24-hour formaldehyde concentrations for Traralgon 2007 (ppb)

Formaldehyde concentrations Traralgon 2007

ppb: parts per billion

The detailed results for this graph are also available on this website.

Page last updated on 15 Mar 2014