Some studies of industrial workers exposed to formaldehyde have also found increased risks of leukemia, but not all studies have shown an increased risk. Studies looking at the link between workplace exposure to formaldehyde and other types of cancer have not found a consistent link. One study found that workers exposed to formaldehyde had higher than normal levels of chromosome changes in early white blood cells in their bone marrow.
This finding supports the possible link between formaldehyde exposure and leukemia. Several agencies national and international study different substances in the environment to determine if they can cause cancer.
A substance that causes cancer or helps cancer grow is called a carcinogen. The American Cancer Society looks to these organizations to evaluate the risks based on evidence from laboratory, animal, and human research studies. Based on the available evidence, some of these expert agencies have evaluated the cancer-causing potential of formaldehyde.
The NTP lists formaldehyde as "known to be a human carcinogen. Its major goal is to identify causes of cancer. IARC has concluded that formaldehyde is "carcinogenic to humans" based on higher risks of nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia. The EPA has classified formaldehyde as a "probable human carcinogen. National Cancer Institute researchers have concluded that, based on data from studies in people and from lab research, exposure to formaldehyde may cause leukemia, particularly myeloid leukemia, in humans.
For more information on the classification systems used by some of these agencies, see Known and Probable Human Carcinogens. When formaldehyde is present in the air at levels higher than 0. Some people are very sensitive to formaldehyde, but others have no reaction to the same level of exposure.
Formaldehyde in consumer products such as cosmetics and lotions can cause an allergic reaction in the skin allergic contact dermatitis , which can lead to an itchy, red rash which may become raised or develop blisters.
Also, it is used as disinfectant because it kills insects and many microorganisms [ 13 ]. Formaldehyde, which has an important place in the field of medicine, is used in the anatomy laboratory for the determination of the cadaver and its long-term storage without decomposition and used in histology and pathology laboratories during the fixation stage of tissues.
It is benefited from formaldehyde for the structure of coatings in dentistry, in the clinic for the treatment of persistent cystitis, and as a preservative in some drugs. In addition, the solution used in hemodialysis unit contains formalin [ 1 , 14 , 15 , 16 ]. The use of formaldehyde in medical and other fields is 1.
However, its use in these areas has great significance for human beings, because it can reach many people by means of various consumer goods. These products containing formaldehyde in medicinal and other technical areas are listed in Table 2 [ 7 ]. Some preservatives are formaldehyde releasers. Formaldehyde release upon decomposition depends mainly on the temperature and pH.
The three most common recorded formaldehyde release agents are bromonitropropanediol, bromonitrodioxane, and 2-chloroallylhexaminium chloride [ 17 ]. Formaldehyde contains significant harm to human health as well as widespread use.
Formaldehyde has a sharp odor that can be detectable at low concentrations, and its vapor and solutions are known as skin and eye irritants in human beings.
The common effects of formaldehyde exposure are various symptoms caused by irritation of the mucosa in the eyes and upper respiratory tract. As a result of the studies, formaldehyde is reported to contribute to the development of cancer of the nose and upper respiratory tract and skin cancer [ 18 , 19 ].
OSHA has identified 52 professions that are risky in terms of formaldehyde exposure. The most frequently studied groups were the ones who were at risk for the effect of formaldehyde, which are listed below: Workers working at the production stage of formaldehyde-containing compounds. Industry workers working in formaldehyde-containing products and adhesives furniture and goods produced from the chipboard, MDF, plywood, varnish, lacquer, fire retardants, etc. Those who sterilize dialysis equipment and other medical supplies— dentists and nurses,.
Workers in paper, paper products, and recycling [ 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Research on persons working in industrial areas where formaldehyde production is performed or used showed that there is an increase in the number of people dying from brain cancer, blood cancer, and colon cancer compared to the normal population [ 2 , 13 ].
Furthermore, the use of formaldehyde-containing products in homes and workplaces in daily life wall paint, furniture, lacquer coatings, deodorants, cleaning products, etc. It has been shown that formaldehyde, which is emphasized as carcinogenic by experimental studies, has harmful effects on many systems such as the respiratory system, nervous system, and digestive system [ 1 , 7 , 23 ].
Furthermore, it is stated that formaldehyde, which has adverse effects on the reproductive system, causes fertility problems by damaging to germinal cells, disrupts the morphological structure of testicle, and decreases sperm count and serum testosterone levels [ 24 , 25 , 26 ].
Formaldehyde is a genotoxic, mutagenic, teratogenic, embryotoxic, and carcinogenic chemical that includes gene mutations, chromosomal errors, single-chain fractures, sister chromatid exchange, and cell changes [ 2 , 27 , 28 ]. Respiratory system toxicity of formaldehyde occurs even in low concentrations 0. It causes clinical symptoms such as burning sensation in the nose and throat, difficulty of breathing, coughing, and wheezing in acute effects. At higher concentrations, pulmonary edema, inflammation, and pneumonia are developing [ 2 , 11 , 12 , 29 ].
Formaldehyde has been reported to have toxic effects on the central nervous system, skin, eyes, testes, and menstrual functions as well as the respiratory system [ 24 , 32 , 33 ]. After oral ingestion, formaldehyde produces a local corrosive effect in the upper gastrointestinal system. Necrosis, perforation, and bleeding develop after following symptoms such as nausea, severe diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The inhalation of formaldehyde gas in even small quantities is followed by bronchitis and pneumonia.
Pneumonia is due to the inhalation of the gas and not to secondary infection. Formalin belongs to that rare group of poisons which are capable of producing death suddenly when swallowed. The introduction of formalin into the stomach is followed by the production of a gastritis which varies greatly in character.
The duodenum and upper jejunum may also be involved in the inflammatory process. Intraperitoneal injections of formalin cause peritonitis of a fibrino-haemorrhagic character. A definite reaction is obtained when very dilute formalin 1— is employed.
In the peritoneal cavity formalin exercises a destructive action upon all organs pancreas, liver, peritoneal fat, Fallopian tubes, etc. The lethal dose of formalin when injected intraperitoneally into guinea pigs is approximately 2 cc. The injection of formalin into the lungs is followed by pneumonia and bronchitis. Formaldehyde On this page Formaldehyde is a colourless, highly flammable, pungent smelling gas that enters the environment from man-made sources for example, manufacturing industries and natural sources including bush fires.
Formaldehyde is even produced in very small, non-harmful amounts by our bodies. Formaldehyde in the environment Formaldehyde does not persist for long in the environment. Uses of formaldehyde Food and water Formaldehyde occurs naturally in a variety of foods, including some fruits, fish, processed foods and alcoholic beverages. Consumer products Formaldehyde and its derivatives are present in a wide range of consumer products where it is used as a preservative to protect from bacteria and mould spoilage.
Types of products include: household cleaning agents dishwashing liquids fabric softeners shoe care products car shampoos and waxes carpet cleaning products disinfectants glues. Cosmetics Formaldehyde has been used in the cosmetic industry as a: preservative in products such as hair products, lotions, makeup and mouth washes hardener in nail treatments Formaldehyde can be an ingredient in: hand cream bath products mascara and eye makeup mouth wash cuticle softeners nail creams vaginal deodorants shaving cream.
Indoors Formaldehyde released from building materials has long been recognised as a significant cause of elevated formaldehyde levels that are frequently measured indoors. Formaldehyde is also produced when using open fireplaces and un-flued gas or kerosene heaters. Outdoor air The largest man-made source of formaldehyde in the environment is the combustion of fuel and therefore it is found in the air we breathe every day that is polluted by motor vehicle exhausts.
Health effects Formaldehyde is water soluble and rapidly metabolised in the body when you breathe, drink or eat it. Symptoms of formaldehyde exposure High level exposure The major toxic effects caused by acute formaldehyde exposure by inhalation are eye, nose and throat irritation and effects on the nasal cavity.
If symptoms are severe call Lower level exposure Formaldehyde, at levels commonly present in consumer goods, can be irritating to the eyes, nose, throat and the lungs. Low levels of exposure for long periods of time Studies in workers exposed to formaldehyde in the air found more cancer cases than expected. Reducing your exposure Try these simple tips to reduce your levels of exposure to formaldehyde: Ensure you have adequate ventilation when using formaldehyde-containing products.
Opening a door or window can lower formaldehyde levels in the home. Avoid or minimise exposure to cigarette smoke especially by not smoking indoors. Avoid using un-flued gas or kerosene heaters indoors. Particularly if you can smell an odour.
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