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Lack of bronchomotor response to up to 3 ppm formaldehyde in subjects with asthma

Journal Article · · Environ. Res.; (United States)
A study was undertaken to determine whether exposure to concentrations of formaldehyde occasionally encountered in polluted indoor air would cause bronchoconstriction in subjects with mild asthma. In seven subjects the increase in specific airways resistance (SR/sub aw/) caused by inhalation of 1 ppm formaldehyde for 10 min was compared with the response caused by inhalation of formaldehyde-free air. Also, the increase in SR/sub aw/ caused by inhalation of 1 and 3 ppm formaldehyde during moderate exercise for 10 min was compared with the response caused by inhalation of formaldehyde-free air during exercise for 10 min. Inhalation of formaldehyde at rest and during exercise did not cause a signficant increase in SR/aw/ in the subjects. It is concluded that brief exposure to these concentrations of formaldehyde, even in association with moderate exercise, is unlikely by itself to cause significant bronchoconstriction in most subjects with mild asthma.
Research Organization:
Univ. of California, San Francisco
OSTI ID:
6016723
Journal Information:
Environ. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Res.; (United States) Vol. 35:1; ISSN ENVRA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English