Method of Photocatalytic Destruction of Harmful Volatile Compounds at Emitting Surfaces

Methods of destroying toxic volatile air-borne toxins are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a piece of formaldehyde laden wood substrate such as paneling or furniture is treated with a TiO.sub.2 solution to form a thin and translucent veneer on the surface. This layer acts like a membrane preventing outward transport of formaldehyde and other harmful compounds produced by weatherization and natural degradation of the substrate. In a prefered embodiment the photocatalytic destruction of formaldehyde is achieved. Other toxins destroyed include terpenes and other types of toxic volatile organic compounds(VOCs). While the prefered embodiment is applied to wood based supports such as paneling and furniture, the invention has applicability for other surfaces such as caskets and roof shingles. For example, the TiO.sub.2 coating can be used on flexible paper type face masks in order to destroy air-borne toxic compounds such as formaldehyde and the like that are used in medical environment