OK, I did my homework and I think this is the most appropriate meter to do what we are trying to do that doesnt get into 4+ figures. So I ordered it.
Extech FM200 Handheld Formaldehyde (CH2O or HCHO) Meter with Detachable Probe- at the Test Equipment Depot
Now, this will only give crude measurements as opposed to the HPLC grade instrumentation used in a well funded scientific lab.
It may well even be a total bust, but I believe it will tell us enough to understand if there really is anything to this temp/formaldehyde issue. If I can measure appreciable and repeatable differences between a 2mg/ml 100%VG sample at 400f vs 500f then we know there is something to the Wang study. I would then attempt to get more granular with intervals and ratios in between.
I will develop a solid test protocol suitable to vaping using my own gear. At least at first, this isnt going to be a "test every device out there" thing. I am only testing to see if Temp makes an appreciable difference. One can then extrapolate the device specific temperature testing I have done. I will actually vape each data set to ensure it is something that someone would actually vape.
I paid $370 for it. Several of you offered to pitch in, if you are still interested please PM me and I will give you a PP address to use. I thought about a GoFundMe campaign but they get almost 10% of each donation, not worth it for this small of a project IMHO. And please remember, I am not guaranteeing reliable results, although I do believe this instrument and a decent protocol will get us as close as we can get without the resources of a full lab.
And yes
@Rossum I will toss in a genuine tobacco cigarette sample (ewwww). I probably wont do a cigar though, I would be too tempted to actually smoke it.
OK folks, you threw out the gauntlet, I stepped up, now its your turn!.
I might know someone who can get it.
But I haven't talked to them in a Long Time.
If you can get this I would be grateful. I suspect much of it is not truly applicable to vaping, but I would love to study it, if nothing else it will give me a view into the mindset they use. They really need to come up with a similar ISO standard for testing vape products.