Health effects of low-level exposure to formaldehyde

Journal Article · Thu Dec 01 00:00:00 EST 1983 · JOM, J. Occup. Med.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1097/00043764-198312000-00013· OSTI ID:6846624

Main, D M; Hogan, T J

Twenty-one subjects exposed to formaldehyde (at levels between 0.12 and 1.6 parts per million (ppm)) in two mobile trailers and the remaining 18 unexposed workers of the same workforce were examined by questionnaire and spirometry. Symptoms of eye and throat irritation and increased headache and fatigue were significantly more common among the exposed group than the comparison group. Irritation of the nose, chest tightness, and shortness of breath were also more common among the exposed. Spirometry revealed no decrease in ventilatory function among the exposed workers. The significant increase in frequency of individuals with symptoms indicated an adverse health effect from exposure to formaldehyde at levels between 0.12 and 1.6 ppm. This may have implications regarding the adequacy of the US permissable exposure limit value and suggest the need for further examination of the health effects of formaldehyde in the nonoccupational environment.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Illinois, Chicago
• OSTI ID: 6846624
• Journal Information: JOM, J. Occup. Med.; (United States), Vol. 25:12
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
FORMALDEHYDE
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
CHRONIC EXPOSURE
MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE
EYES
PERSONNEL
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
ALDEHYDES
BODY
BODY AREAS
FACE
HEAD
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANS
SAFETY STANDARDS
SENSE ORGANS
STANDARDS
560306* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology- Man- (-1987)