What is ISO 17226-2 - colorimetry for formaldehyde in leather about?
Formaldehyde is present in some leather products at various concentrations due to its use in the synthesis of retaining agents and process chemical preservatives.
ISO 17226-2 specifies a method for the determination of free and released formaldehyde in leathers. This method, based on colorimetric analysis, is not intended to be used for the precise quantification of formaldehyde. This process is not absolutely selective for formaldehyde. Other compounds such as extracted dyes could interfere at 412 nm.
Who is ISO 17226-2 - colorimetry for formaldehyde in leather for?
ISO 17226-2 on colorimetry for formaldehyde in leather is useful for:
- Manufacturers of leather goods
- Product development / innovation teams
- Quality control personnel
- Health and safety bodies
Why should you use ISO 17226-2 - colorimetry for formaldehyde in leather?
Though formaldehyde is a useful chemical, there are known ecological and toxicological risks associated with exposure and handling. Formaldehyde is an irritant and a highly reactive, flammable and toxic substance in high concentrations. Due to this, formaldehyde testing is necessary.
Testing for formaldehyde content in leather is part of compliance to regulations due to the chemical being restricted globally according to the material type, product and end consumer. For instance, leather products meant for children are required to have lower formaldehyde content compared to products meant for adults. Also, products coming in direct contact with skin have lower acceptable limits compared to those that don’t.
The colorimetric analysis described in ISO 17226-2 involves hydrolysis. The formaldehyde content is taken to be the quantity of free-formaldehyde and formaldehyde extracted through hydrolysis contained in a water extract from the leather under standard conditions.
Using ISO 17226-2 guidelines, you comply with regulations and also ensure that users of your leather products are safe.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN ISO 17226-2:2019 supersedes ISO 17226-2:2008, which has been withdrawn. BS EN ISO 17226-2:2019 incorporates the Technical Corrigendum ISO 17226-2:2008/Cor.1:2009.
BS EN ISO 17226-2:2019 includes some editorial and technical changes with reference to ISO 17226-2:2008. These include:
- Clause 1 has been modified
- The former Clause 2 has become Clause 4, a new Clause 3, Terms and definitions, inserted and subsequent clauses renumbered
- 6.1.1, 6.2.1, 6.2.2, 7.4, 7.7, 8.2.2, 8.2.3, 8.2.4, 8.2.6 and 8.2.8 have been technically modified
