Effects of formaldehyde on the mucous membranes and lungs: a study of an industrial population

Journal Article · Fri Feb 05 04:00:00 EST 1988 · JAMA, J. Am. Med. Assoc.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.259.5.701· OSTI ID:5231043

Horvath, Jr, E P; Anderson, H Jr; Pierce, W E; Hanrahan, L; Wendlick, J D

One hundred nine workers and 254 control subjects were studied to evaluate the effects of formaldehyde on the mucous membranes and lungs. A modified, respiratory symptom questionnaire and spirometry were administered to all study participants before and after their work shift, and formaldehyde levels were determined for each test subject. Over the course of the monitored work shift, test subjects demonstrated a dose-dependent excess of irritant symptoms and a statistically significant decline in certain lung function parameters. Analysis of test and control subject data combined revealed a correlation between formaldehyde exposure and these pulmonary changes. Baseline spirometry values were not significantly different between test and control groups, and formaldehyde-exposed workers did not report an excess of respiratory symptoms. Formaldehyde is a dose-dependent irritant of the eyes and mucous membranes at low-level exposures. It can exert a small, across-shift effect on airways but after a mean exposure of ten years does not appear to cause permanent respiratory impairment.

• Research Organization: Marshfield (Wis) Clinic, Madison (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5231043
• Journal Information: JAMA, J. Am. Med. Assoc.; (United States), Journal Name: JAMA, J. Am. Med. Assoc.; (United States) Vol. 259:5; ISSN JAMAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ALDEHYDES
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS
BODY
BODY AREAS
DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIPS
EYES
FACE
FORMALDEHYDE
FUNCTIONS
HEAD
HUMAN POPULATIONS
LUNGS
MEMBRANES
MUCOUS MEMBRANES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANS
PERSONNEL
POPULATIONS
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
SENSE ORGANS