I believe that she probably heard to mix formalin with ammonia solution, not bleach as a deactivating agent. Generally, the ammonia solution is used as a mopping solution for small spills of formalin, not as a mixing agent for substantial spills. Dale Dale Krageschmidt, Ph.D., CIH, CHMM Industrial Hygienist Occupational Safety Mayo Clinic 200 1st St. SW, MY 1-111 Rochester, MN 55905 Phone: (507) 284-9756 Fax: (507) 284-4761 krageschmidt.dale**At_Symbol_Here**mayo.edu -----Original Message----- From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU] On Behalf Of Debbie Decker Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2007 12:56 PM To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU Subject: [DCHAS-L] formaldehyde and bleach Quick question: Does bleach "inactivate" formaldehyde so that the resultant can go down the drain? Yes yes - I know formaldehyde is a hazardous waste, blah blah, and treatment isn't allowed, yada yada. I have to head off this biologist before she does any more "chemistry." Thanks, Debbie ---------------------- Debbie Decker EH&S UCDavis (530)754-7964 FAX (530)752-4527 dmdecker**At_Symbol_Here**ucdavis.edu Co-Conspirator to Make the World A Better Place -- Visit www.HeroicStories.com and join the conspiracy Birkett's hypothesis: "Any chemical reaction that proceeds smoothly under normal conditions, can proceed violently in the presence of an idiot."