Respiratory hazards associated with exposure to formaldehyde and solvents in acid-curing paints

Journal Article · Sun May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1988 · Arch. Environ. Health; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1080/00039896.1988.9934937· OSTI ID:6727883

Alexandersson, R; Hedenstierna, G

Thirty-eight employees exposed to formaldehyde when working with acid-hardening lacquers and 18 nonexposed control persons employed at the same company were examined to determine lung function (spirometry and nitrogen washout), total immunoglobulin blood concentration, and work-related symptoms. The mean exposure to formaldehyde during an 8-hr workshop was 0.40 mg/m/sup 3/ air, and the mean exposure to peak values was 0.70 mg/m/sup 3/. Mean exposure to solvents was low, i.e., approximately 1/10 of the hygienic effect. Eye, nose, and throat irritation was more common in exposed persons than in controls. Monday morning, after two exposure-free days, forced vital capacity (FVC) values were found to have declined by 0.24 L and forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV/sub 1.0/) by 0.21 L, compared with normal values. There was a weak correlation between the individual concentration of IgG and decrease in FVC and FEV/sub 1.0/. No significant changes were noted in any other lung function variable before a work shift, and no lung function changes were noted over a full work shift. Deviations in FVC and FEV/sub 1.0/ values did not correlate to peaks or mean exposures or employment time.

• Research Organization: Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm (Sweden)
• OSTI ID: 6727883
• Journal Information: Arch. Environ. Health; (United States), Journal Name: Arch. Environ. Health; (United States) Vol. 43:3; ISSN AEHLA
• 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 FUNCTIONS
BODY
COATINGS
FORMALDEHYDE
FUNCTIONS
GLOBULINS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
IMMUNOGLOBULINS
INJURIES
LUNGS
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANS
PAINTS
PROTEINS
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
SOLVENTS
SYMPTOMS