I believe that she probably heard to mix formalin with ammonia solution,
not bleach as a deactivating agent.  Generally, the ammonia solution is
used as a mopping solution for small spills of formalin, not as a mixing
agent for substantial spills.
 
Dale

Dale Krageschmidt, Ph.D., CIH, CHMM
Industrial Hygienist
Occupational Safety 
Mayo Clinic
200 1st St. SW, MY 1-111
Rochester, MN 55905
Phone: (507) 284-9756
Fax: (507) 284-4761
krageschmidt.dale**At_Symbol_Here**mayo.edu

-----Original Message-----
From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU] On Behalf Of
Debbie Decker
Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2007 12:56 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] formaldehyde and bleach

Quick question:

Does bleach "inactivate" formaldehyde so that the resultant can go down
the drain?  Yes yes - I know formaldehyde is a hazardous waste, blah
blah, and treatment isn't allowed, yada yada.  I have to head off this
biologist before she does any more "chemistry."

Thanks,
Debbie
----------------------
Debbie Decker
EH&S UCDavis
(530)754-7964
FAX (530)752-4527
dmdecker**At_Symbol_Here**ucdavis.edu
Co-Conspirator to Make the World A 
Better Place -- Visit www.HeroicStories.com and join the conspiracy

Birkett's hypothesis: "Any chemical reaction 
that proceeds smoothly under normal conditions, 
can proceed violently in the presence of an idiot."

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