Acute Pulmonary Effects of Formaldehyde Exposure in Humans: Final Technical Report.

摘要

Irritation of the eyes and upper respiratory tract is the predominant symptom reported in association with low-level HCHO exposure, with bronchoconstriction reported in some individuals. There has been no systematic investigation of the symptomatic and pulmonary function response to HCHO in humans over the range of concentrations found in the home and occupational setting. In a three year study of normal nonsmoking and asthmatic subjects, we observed that some individuals will experience eye and upper respiratory tract irritation at HCHO levels of 0.5 ppM and above. Inhalation of HCHO at concentrations up to 3 ppM at rest was not associated with pulmonary function decrements or increased bronchial reactivity. Asthmatic subjects engaging in moderate exercise at 3 ppM HCHO showed no group decrements in lung function; whereas, normal nonsmoking individuals engaging in heavy exercise at 3 ppM HCHO produced small decrements in lung function. Simultaneous HCHO and carbon aerosol exposure produced small, synergistic decrements in lung function. A subset of individuals was identified who display a greater than average responsiveness to HCHO. (ERA citation 13:049721)