Health Effects of Low-Level Exposure to Formaldehyde

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Abstract
Subjects (21) exposed to formaldehyde 0.12-1.6 ppm in 2 mobile trailers and the remaining 1.8 unexposed workers of the same workforce were examined by questionnaire and spirometry. Symptoms of eye an throat irritation and increased headache and fatigue were significantly more common among the exposed group. Irritation of the nose, chest tightness and shortness of breath were also more common among the exposed group. 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 0.12-1.6 ppm. This may have implications regarding the adequacy of the USA permissible exposure limit value and suggests the need for further examination of the health effects of formaldehyde in the nonoccupational environment.

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