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Document ID (ISN)111747
CIS number 11-0354
ISSN - Serial title 0019-8366 - Industrial Health
Year 2011
Convention or series no.
Author(s) Neghab M., Soltanzadeh A., Choobineh A.
Title Respiratory morbidity induced by occupational inhalation exposure to formaldehyde
Bibliographic information Jan. 2011, Vol.49, No.1, p.89-94. 19 ref.
Internet access Respiratory_morbidity.pdf [in English]
Abstract The objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the respiratory effects, if any, of long term occupational exposure to formaldehyde. The study population consisted of 70 exposed and 24 non-exposed employees of a melamine-formaldehyde resin producing plant in Iran. Data on respiratory symptoms were gathered by means of questionnaires. Atmospheric concentrations of formaldehyde were measured at different contaminated areas of the plant. Pulmonary function parameters were measured pre-shift and post-shift of the first working day of the week. Findings showed that airborne concentrations of formaldehyde exceeded current permissible levels. Additionally, significant decrements in some pre-shift and post-shift parameters of pulmonary function of exposed workers were noted. However, a relative recovery in lung functional capacity was observed following temporary cessation of exposure. Exposed workers had higher prevalence rates of regular cough, wheezing, phlegm, shortness of breath, chest tightness and episodes of chest illness associated with cold. Findings collectively indicate that exposure to formaldehyde may induce respiratory symptoms, partially reversible in the case of acute symptoms, together with irreversible lung function impairments.
Descriptors (primary) Iran, Islamic Republic of; formaldehyde; melamine resins; respiratory diseases; pulmonary function; risk factors
Descriptors (secondary) symptoms; sampling and analysis; determination in air; respiratory function tests; questionnaire survey; cross-sectional study
Document type D - Periodical articles
Subject(s) Chemicals, plastics and rubber
Toxic and dangerous substances
Occupational pathology
Broad subject area(s) Occupational medicine, epidemiology
Chemical safety
Browse category(ies) Diseases of the respiratory system (except for pneumoconiosis & similar)
Chemical industry