Inhalation exposure to formaldehyde: an overview of its toxicology, epidemiology, monitoring, and control

Journal Article · Thu Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/15298668491400601· OSTI ID:6027024

Bernstein, R S; Stayner, L T; Elliott, L J; Kimbrough, R; Falk, H; Blade, L

Increasing production and use of formaldehyde in consumer products has resulted in widespread recognition of its acute irritant effects at exposure levels below the current occupational health standard (3 parts per million parts of air (ppm)). Formaldehyde is an allergic (immunologically mediated) skin sensitizer which may also cause or exacerbate respiratory distress in individuals with preexisting or formaldehyde-induced bronchial hyperreactivity. Formaldehyde gas is a very reactive alkylating agent which is mutagenic in several in vitro test systems. At exposure levels less than one order of magnitude greater than those often found in human occupational and nonoccupational environments, it induces squamous cell carcinomas in the nasal cavity of rats. Recent reviews suggest that formaldehyde exposure should be treated as though it poses a carcinogenic risk to humans and should be reduced to the lowest feasible level. This report reviews information on the epidemiologic evaluation of health effects which may result from hazardous levels of exposure to formaldehyde. Methods for monitoring exposure are discussed in detail because of considerable diversity in the methods used by state health departments for recognition, evaluation and control of nonoccupational exposures. Current guidelines for the evaluation and control of exposures to formaldehyde gas are suggested. 71 references, 3 tables.

• Research Organization: Center for Environmental Health, Atlanta, GA
• OSTI ID: 6027024
• Journal Information: Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J.; (United States) Vol. 45:11; ISSN AIHAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560305 -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Vertebrates-- (-1987)
560306* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Man-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
AIR POLLUTION MONITORING
ALDEHYDES
CARCINOMAS
CONTROL
DISEASES
DOCUMENT TYPES
EPIDEMIOLOGY
FORMALDEHYDE
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
INHALATION
INTAKE
MONITORING
NEOPLASMS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION CONTROL
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM DISEASES
REVIEWS
TOXICITY