Formaldehyde: an analysis of its respiratory, cutaneous, and immunologic effects

Journal Article · Sat Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1991 · Annals of Allergy; (United States)

OSTI ID:5505349

Bardana, Jr, E J; Montanaro, A ^[1]

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1. Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland (USA)

Formaldehyde is truly ubiquitous in our ecology and continuing important commercial applications. Most of us have daily contact with this chemical. The most significant outdoor source of this chemical is gasoline and diesel fuel combustion. The primary indoor source is combustion of tobacco products. Formaldehyde is associated with a disagreeable odor that can produce annoyance symptoms and at higher concentrations can be a transient and completely reversible irritant to the eyes and mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. It is so soluble and rapidly metabolized that it rarely reaches the lower respiratory tract to inflict damage. The exception is in cigarette smokers who actively inhale. Formaldehyde may on rare occasions induce bronchial asthma at relatively high exposure doses. There are no conclusive studies that prove the development of de novo IgE-mediated respiratory tract symptoms secondary to inhalation of formaldehyde vapors. The approach to formaldehyde-induced symptoms should be one of careful documentation of objective physiologic changes.147 references.

• OSTI ID: 5505349
• Journal Information: Annals of Allergy; (United States), Journal Name: Annals of Allergy; (United States) Vol. 66:6; ISSN ANAEA; ISSN 0003-4738
• 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.
AIR POLLUTION
ALDEHYDES
ANIMALS
ANTIGENS
BODY
BODY AREAS
EYES
FACE
FORMALDEHYDE
HEAD
MAMMALS
MAN
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANS
POLLUTION
PRIMATES
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
SENSE ORGANS
SYMPTOMS
TOXICITY
VERTEBRATES