What Are the Uses of Formalin?
Last Updated Mar 28, 2020 7:10:02 PM ET

Formalin is used as an antiseptic, disinfectant and preservative. It is a 37 percent aqueous solution of the pungent gas formaldehyde and has the chemical formula HCHO.
The formalin solution is clear and colorless. When diluted to 10 percent, it can be used as a treatment and prevention for ovine footrot. It is also used to treat fungal diseases of fish, but can be toxic if it is contaminated with paraformaldehyde. The solution reacts with the amine groups of proteins and DNA, which allows it to disinfect. When buffered, it can denature, or fix, tissues for examination under a microscope.
More From Reference

10 Must-Watch TED Talks That Have the Power to Change Your Life

Strange Americana: Does Video Footage of Bigfoot Really Exist?

How the COVID-19 Pandemic Will Change In-Person Retail Shopping in Lasting Ways

Tips and Tricks for Making Driveway Snow Removal Easier

Here’s How Online Games Like Prodigy Are Revolutionizing Education

What Are the Steps of Presidential Impeachment?