A catalytic air recirculating medical device reduces formaldehyde levels in a simulated operating room environment

Electrosurgery produces formaldehyde. A catalytic material was interfaced with an air recirculation device and tested for formaldehyde removal. When catalyst and activated carbon were in the device, formaldehyde levels were reduced by up to 72% after 1 hour of operation in a simulated operating room (OR). Activated carbon without the catalyst showed no effect on the rate of formaldehyde reduction. The rate of formaldehyde build-up in an OR containing an open container of formalin was reduced by a factor of 3.2 ppm/min. when catalyst and activated carbon were present in the device compared to when only activated carbon was present. Formaldehyde generated by applying electrosurgical cuts to porcine muscle was reduced by 34% after 1 hour when the device contained both catalyst and activated carbon. The catalyst effectively reduces indoor formaldehyde concentrations.