Abstract
Toxic effects of formaldehyde in humans are discussed in relation to occupational exposure and tolerance to this agent. Carcinogenic and mutagenic properties of formaldehyde have been reported in animals and this has led to concern about a possible role in human cancer. The current state of affairs is reviewed in the light of a lack of direct evidence linking formaldehyde with cancer in man and in relation to recommended exposure levels. It is important to employ effective means of containment and practical methods for reducing exposure to formaldehyde in pathology departments and post-mortem rooms are described.
Full text
PDF
Images in this article
Selected References
These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.
- Albert R. E., Pasternack B. S., Shore R. E., Lippmann M., Nelson N., Ferris B. Mortality patterns among workers exposed to chloromethyl ethers--a preliminary report. Environ Health Perspect. 1975 Jun;11:209–214. doi: 10.1289/ehp.7511209. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Albert R. E., Pasternack B. S., Shore R. E., Lippmann M., Nelson N., Ferris B. Mortality patterns among workers exposed to chloromethyl ethers--a preliminary report. Environ Health Perspect. 1975 Jun;11:209–214. doi: 10.1289/ehp.7511209. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Auerbach C., Moutschen-Dahmen M., Moutschen J. Genetic and cytogenetical effects of formaldehyde and related compounds. Mutat Res. 1977;39(3-4):317–361. doi: 10.1016/0165-1110(77)90011-2. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Epstein E., Maibach H. I. Formaldehyde allergy. Incidence and patch test problems. Arch Dermatol. 1966 Aug;94(2):186–190. doi: 10.1001/archderm.94.2.186. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Fleig I., Petri N., Stocker W. G., Thiess A. M. Cytogenetic analyses of blood lymphocytes of workers exposed to formaldehyde in formaldehyde manufacturing and processing. J Occup Med. 1982 Dec;24(12):1009–1012. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Hendrick D. J., Rando R. J., Lane D. J., Morris M. J. Formaldehyde asthma: challenge exposure levels and fate after five years. J Occup Med. 1982 Nov;24(11):893–897. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- KELECOM J. [Formol burns of the eye (study of 2 cases)]. Arch Ophtalmol Rev Gen Ophtalmol. 1962 Apr-May;22:259–262. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Kallos G. J., Solomon R. A. Investigations of the formation of bis-chloromethyl ether in simulated hydrogen chloride-formaldehyde atmospheric environments. Am Ind Hyg Assoc J. 1973 Nov;34(11):469–473. doi: 10.1080/0002889738506883. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- SIM V. M., PATTLE R. E. Effect of possible smog irritants on human subjects. J Am Med Assoc. 1957 Dec 14;165(15):1908–1913. doi: 10.1001/jama.1957.02980330010003. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Van Duuren B. L., Katz C., Goldschmidt B. M., Frenkel K., Sivak A. Carcinogenicity of halo-ethers. II. Structure-activity relationships of analogs of bis(chloromethyl)ether. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1972 May;48(5):1431–1439. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]