Formaldehyde Reference Exposure Levels

The non-cancer adverse health effects of formaldehyde are largely a manifestation of its ability to irritate mucous membranes. As a result of its solubility in water and high reactivity, formaldehyde is efficiently absorbed into the mucus layers protecting the eyes and respiratory tract where it rapidly reacts, leading primarily to localized irritation. Acute high exposure may lead to eye, nose and throat irritation, and in the respiratory tract, nasal obstruction, pulmonary edema and dyspnea. Prolonged or repeated exposures have been associated with allergic sensitization, respiratory symptoms (coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath), histopathological changes in respiratory epithelium, and decrements in lung function. Children, especially those with diagnosed asthma, may be more likely to show impaired pulmonary function and symptoms than are adults following chronic exposure to formaldehyde. The studies reviewed for this document include those published through the Spring of 2008.