In conclusion, we have shown that an air recirculating device equipped with a transition metal oxide reduces formaldehyde levels in a simulated OR exposed to formalin. We demonstrated that the catalyst is superior to activated carbon in the removal of formaldehyde. The formaldehyde levels decay exponentially when the device contains both catalyst and activated carbon. Activated carbon without catalyst shows no appreciable effect on the rate of reduction. The device also significantly reduces formaldehyde levels when produced via electrosurgical cuts.