Prospective study of respiratory effects of formaldehyde among healthy and asthmatic medical students

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1989 · Am. J. Ind. Med.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/ajim.4700150110· OSTI ID:6251885

Uba, G; Pachorek, D; Bernstein, J; Garabrant, D H; Balmes, J R; Wright, W E; Amar, R B

We conducted a prospective evaluation of pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms among 103 medical students exposed to formaldehyde over a 7-month period to determine the incidence of bronchoconstriction and respiratory symptoms in response to exposure. Time-weighted average formaldehyde exposures were generally less than 1 part per million (ppm) and peak exposures were less than 5 ppm. Acute symptoms of eye and upper respiratory irritation were significantly associated with exposure. There was no pattern of bronchoconstriction in response to exposure after either 2 weeks or 7 months. Twelve subjects had a history of asthma; they were no more likely to have symptoms of respiratory irritation or changes in pulmonary function than those without such a history. These findings are consistent with previous case reports that indicate exposure to formaldehyde vapor at levels that are commonly encountered in occupational and residential settings do not commonly cause significant bronchoconstriction, even among subjects with preexisting asthma.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6251885
• Journal Information: Am. J. Ind. Med.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. J. Ind. Med.; (United States) Vol. 15:1; ISSN AJIMD
• 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
ANIMALS
ASTHMA
BODY
DISEASES
DYNAMIC FUNCTION STUDIES
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE
FORMALDEHYDE
LUNGS
MAMMALS
MAN
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANS
PRIMATES
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM DISEASES
SENSITIVITY
SYMPTOMS
TOXICITY
VASOCONSTRICTION
VERTEBRATES