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Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Fabricating Cotton Analytical Devices
Published on: August 30, 2016
Development of a novel colorimetric indicator pad for detecting aldehydes
Evanly Vo1, David K Murray, Tricia L Scott
1Department of Health and Human Services, CDC/National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, 626 Cochrans Mill Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236, USA. Eav8@cdc.gov
A new colorimetric indicator pad rapidly detects aldehydes with a visual yellow-to-red color change, offering faster results than traditional methods for safety applications.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Material Science
- Occupational Safety
Background:
- Aldehydes are common indoor and outdoor air pollutants with significant health implications.
- Rapid and reliable detection methods for aldehydes are crucial for environmental monitoring and personal protective equipment (PPE) assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and fabricate a novel colorimetric indicator pad for the rapid detection of aldehydes.
- To evaluate the sensitivity, stability, and potential interferences of the developed indicator pad.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a two-sided indicator pad with a reactive top layer and a barrier bottom layer.
- Determination of pad sensitivity using the vapor-sensitive ASTM F739 technique.
- Assessment of stability and interference by spiking aldehydes and other functional group compounds.
Main Results:
- The indicator pad exhibited a distinct color change (yellow to red) upon exposure to aldehydes.
- The colorimetric response occurred approximately 5 minutes earlier than the infrared analyzer in the ASTM method.
- The pad demonstrated stability and selectivity against compounds with other functional groups.
Conclusions:
- The developed colorimetric indicator pad provides a rapid and effective method for aldehyde detection.
- This tool is suitable for detecting aldehydes in both liquid and vapor phases.
- The indicator pad can be utilized for assessing aldehyde permeation through PPE, aiding further research and safety evaluations.
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