[Detection of the presence of formaldehyde in textiles by using color tests with acetylacetone and chromotropic acid].

In 61 textile materials of cotton, wool and synthetic fibre formaldehyde was determined using colour tests with acetylacetone and chromotropic acid. Full agreement of the results of both tests was demonstrated. In 61 studied materials formaldehyde was demonstrated in 44 samples and in 17 samples it was absent. Formaldehyde was present in materials submitted to end-use finish. The possibility was showed also of formaldehyde passage from the finished materials into materials not containing it following their storage together. Frequent washing and ironing of materials after finish may lead to formaldehyde loss from the materials. The usefulness is stressed of colour tests for the diagnosis and prevention of formaldehyde-induced clothing-related eczema.