Disclosed are particulate filter media comprising a particulate or powdery acetoacetate-functional compound or composition that is effective in removing gaseous aldehydes present in gases such as air. The particulate filter media are capable of reacting with and irreversibly removing airborne aldehydes, such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein. Also disclosed is a method or process for the removal of an aldehyde from a gas such as air or tobacco smoke by contacting the aldehyde-containing gas with the particulate filter media.