Question

Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound that is involved in the formation of photochemical smog in heavy metropolitan areas. What is most likely a direct source of formaldehyde in the atmosphere?
Responses

A combustion of fossil fuelscombustion of fossil fuels

B disintegration of road surfacesdisintegration of road surfaces

C evaporation from lumber productsevaporation from lumber products

D aerosol particles from pressurized cans

Answer 1

The most likely direct source of formaldehyde in the atmosphere among the options provided is:

C) evaporation from lumber products

Formaldehyde is commonly released from building materials and products made from wood, as well as from processes related to the treatment and production of such products. While combustion of fossil fuels (A) can also lead to VOC emissions, the direct source of formaldehyde is more closely linked to the evaporation from products that contain it, such as certain types of lumber and plywood.