Formaldehyde PoisoningSynonyms of Formaldehyde Poisoning
Show General DiscussionFormaldehyde Poisoning is a disorder brought about by breathing the fumes of formaldehyde. This can occur while working directly with formaldehyde, or using equipment cleaned with formaldehyde. Major symptoms may include eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches; and/or skin rashes. Signs & SymptomsSymptoms of Formaldehyde Poisoning are varied. There may be eye irritation, breathing problems, skin irritations and headaches. If formaldehyde is swallowed it causes burns to the esophagus and stomach. Poisoning of patients using dialysis machines cleaned with formaldehyde can cause loss of red blood cells (acute hemolysis). In extreme cases Formaldehyde Poisoning may include low blood pressure (hypotension), abnormalities of heart rhythm, irregular breathing, restlessness, unconsciousness and coma. CausesFormaldehyde Poisoning may be caused in a variety of ways. Some people are affected when they work with products made with formaldehyde such as chip board and foam insulation. Persons may be poisoned by accidentally ingesting or swallowing formaldehyde. Breathing the vapors given off by the chemical itself in plants that manufacture it, or by working in areas where formaldehyde is used to produce other products can also cause dangerous physical reactions to the chemical. Poisoning may also occur when the chemical is being administered directly to a patient as formalin soaked packs for cysts. A form of formaldehyde (Formalin) is sometimes used as a cleaning agent for dialysis machines and other hospital equipment, and it must be carefully and completely removed before the equipment can be used on patients in order to avoid Formaldehyde Poisoning. Affected PopulationsFormaldehyde Poisoning affects males and females in equal numbers. People exposed in the workplace are most likely to be affected if they are not protected by appropriate air filtering equipment. Standard TherapiesPrevention Strict control and protective measures must be employed in the workplace to minimize formaldehyde exposure to the lowest possible limits. Employees should follow all workplace and safety guidelines and take any additional, appropriate steps to reduce their exposure. For example, workers who are exposed to formaldehyde must use personal protective equipment as required, such as appropriate face and eye protection, protective aprons and gloves, etc. Treatment For affected individuals, there is no specific medication that may oppose the action of the formaldehyde (antidote). The treatment of individuals affected by Formaldehyde Poisoning consists of appropriate symptomatic and supportive measures. Those who have experienced severe formaldehyde exposure must undergo close medical monitoring as required. With prompt, appropriate treatment, most affected individuals experience a full recovery. Investigational TherapiesInformation on current clinical trials is posted on the Internet at www.clinicaltrials.gov. All studies receiving U.S. government funding, and some supported by private industry, are posted on this government web site. For information about clinical trials being conducted at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD, contact the NIH Patient Recruitment Office: Tollfree: (800) 411-1222 TTY: (866) 411-1010 Email: [email protected] For information about clinical trials sponsored by private sources, contact: www.centerwatch.com Supporting Organizations
ReferencesTEXTBOOKS Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th Ed.: Anthony S. Fauci et al., Eds.: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 1998. P. 1435. JOURNAL ARTICLES Acute Intravascular Hemolysis due to Accidental Formalin Intoxication During Hemodialysis. K.K. Pun et al.; Clin Nephrol (March 1984; 21(3)). Pp. 188-90. Formaldehyde-Induced Corrosive Gastric Cicatrization: Case Report. R. Kochhar et al.; Hum Toxicol (Dec 1986; 5 (6)). Pp. 381-82. Occupational Exposures to Formaldehyde in Dialysis Units. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep (Jun 20 1986; 35(24)). Pp. 399-401. Formaldehyde-Related Health Complaints of Residents Living in Mobile and Conventional Homes. I.M. Ritchie et al.; Am J Public Health (March 1987; 77(3)). Pp. 323-28. Formaldehyde in the Occupational Environment. A Possible Cause of Chemically Induced Reactive Arthritis. D. Tilsted et al.; Ugeskr Laeger (Aug 5 1996; 158(32)). Pp. 4525-27. Chemical Hazards in Health Care Workers. V.M. Weaver; Occup Med (Oct-Dec 1997; 12(4)). Pp. 655-67. Micronuclei in Nasal Mucosa, Oral Mucosa and Lymphocytes in Students Exposed to Formaldehyde Vapor in Anatomy Class. C.J. Ying et al.; Biomed Environ Sci (Dec 1997; 10(4)). Pp. 451-55. DNA-Protein Crosslinks and Sister Chromatid Exchanges as Biomarkers of Exposure to Formaldehyde. J. Shaham et al.; Int J Occup Environ Health (Apr 1997; 3(2)). Pp. 95-104. American and White Formaldehyde Industry Workers. L.W. Figgs et al.; Am J Ind Med (Jul 1998; 34(1)). Pp. 57-64. Contact Allergies in Healthcare Workers. Results From the IVDK. A. Schnuch et al.; Acta Derm Venereol (Sep 1998; 78(5)). Pp. 358-63. Target Levels-Tools for Prevention. R.I. Niemela et al.; Risk Anal (Dec 1998; 18(6)). Pp. 679-88. Occupational Allergy to Aldehydes in Health Care Workers. Clinical Observations. Experiments. M. Kiec-Swierczynska et al.; Int J Occup Med Environ Health (1998; 11(4)). Pp. 349-58. The Role of Formaldehyde in the Occurrence of Contact Allergy. B. Krecisz et al.; Med Pr (1998; 49(6)). Pp. 609-14. Assessment of Total Exposure to Phenol-Formaldehyde Resin Glue in Plywood Manufacturing. M. Makinen et al.; Int Arch Occup Environ Health (Aug 1999; 72(5)). Pp. 309-14. Paraformaldehyde Sterilant Use in Vocational High School Program. R. Olcerst; Appl Occup Environ Hyg (Jun 1999; 14(6)). Pp. 391-96. Chemical Hazards Faced by Animal Handlers. W.J. Meggs; Occup Med (Apr-Jun 1999; 14(2)). Pp. 213-24. Years Published1989, 1999, 2007 The information in NORD’s Rare Disease Database is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of a physician or other qualified medical professional. The content of the website and databases of the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is copyrighted and may not be reproduced, copied, downloaded or disseminated, in any way, for any commercial or public purpose, without prior written authorization and approval from NORD. Individuals may print one hard copy of an individual disease for personal use, provided that content is unmodified and includes NORD’s copyright. National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) What happens if you inhale formaldehyde?When formaldehyde is present in the air at levels exceeding 0.1 ppm, some individuals may experience adverse effects such as watery eyes; burning sensations in the eyes, nose, and throat; coughing; wheezing; nausea; and skin irritation.
What are the symptoms of formaldehyde poisoning?Breathing formaldehyde fumes causes watery eyes and burning in the eyes, nose and throat. Other symptoms are skin irritation and rashes, nausea, coughing and chest tightness, an upset stomach and trouble breathing.
Does formaldehyde cause lung cancer?Background: Formaldehyde exposure is associated with nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia. Previously-described links between formaldehyde exposure and lung cancer have been weak and inconsistent.
How much formaldehyde is toxic?The concentration of formaldehyde that is immediately dangerous to life and health is 100 ppm. Concentrations above 50 ppm can cause severe pulmonary reactions within minutes. These include pulmonary edema, pneumonia, and bronchial irritation which can result in death.
|
