$Unique_ID{BRK03750} $Pretitle{} $Title{Formaldehyde Poisoning} $Subject{Formaldehyde Poisoning Formaldehyde Exposure Formalin Toxicity Formalin Intoxication Formaldehyde Toxicity Heavy Metal Poisoning Berylliosis Arsenic Poisoning} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1989 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. 678: Formaldehyde Poisoning ** IMPORTANT ** It is possible that the main title of the article (Formaldehyde Poisoning) is not the name you expected. Please check the SYNONYM listing to find the alternate names and disorder subdivisions covered by this article. Synonyms Formaldehyde Exposure Formalin Toxicity Formalin Intoxication Formaldehyde Toxicity Information on the following diseases can be found in the Related Disorders section of this report: Heavy Metal Poisoning Berylliosis Arsenic Poisoning General Discussion ** REMINDER ** The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for educational purposes only. It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes. If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources" section of this report. Formaldehyde Poisoning is a disorder brought about by breathing the fumes of formaldehyde. This can occur while working directly with formaldehyde, or using equipment cleaned with formaldehyde. Major symptoms may include eye irritation, nose and throat irritation, headaches and skin rashes. Symptoms Symptoms of Formaldehyde Poisoning are varied. There may be eye irritation, breathing problems, skin irritations and headaches. If formaldehyde is swallowed it causes burns to the esophagus and stomach. Poisoning of patients using dialysis machines cleaned with formaldehyde can cause loss of red blood cells (acute hemolysis). In extreme cases Formaldehyde Poisoning may include low blood pressure (hypotension), abnormalities of heart rhythm, irregular breathing, restlessness, unconsciousness and coma. Causes Formaldehyde Poisoning may be caused in a variety of ways. Some people are affected when they work with products made with formaldehyde such as chip board and foam insulation. Persons may be poisoned by accidentally ingesting or swallowing formaldehyde. Breathing the vapors given off by the chemical itself in plants that manufacture it, or by working in areas where formaldehyde is used to produce other products can also cause dangerous physical reactions to the chemical. Poisoning may also occur when the chemical is being administered directly to a patient as formalin soaked packs for cysts. A form of formaldehyde (Formalin) is sometimes used as a cleaning agent for dialysis machines and other hospital equipment, and it must be carefully and completely removed before the equipment can be used on patients in order to avoid Formaldehyde Poisoning. Affected Population Formaldehyde Poisoning affects males and females in equal numbers. People exposed in the workplace are most likely to be affected if they are not protected by appropriate air filtering equipment. Related Disorders Symptoms of the following disorders can be similar to those of Formaldehyde Poisoning. Comparisons may be useful for a differential diagnosis: Heavy Metal Poisoning is caused by an overexposure to several types of metals. This may occur from industrial exposure, from air or water pollution, or from foods, medicines or improperly coated food containers. Symptoms of metal poisoning vary according to which type of metal overexposure is involved. (For more information on this disorder, choose "Heavy Metal" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database). Berylliosis is a metal poisoning or allergic disorder caused by exposure to beryllium dust or fumes. It primarily affects the lungs and coughing can become violent and exhausting. Breathing becomes difficult and blood may appear in sputum. The skin may be affected by the appearance of reddened, raised patches. There may be discolored spots on the face, neck, arms, and hands. Lymph nodes near affected skin may become enlarged. (For more information on this disorder, choose "Berylliosis" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database). Arsenic Poisoning can occur during the use and manufacture of pesticides. The gas from arsenic also has some industrial uses and can also cause airborne poisoning. Overexposure may cause headache, drowsiness, confusion, delirium, seizures and sometimes death. In cases of chronic arsenic poisoning, weakness, muscle aches, chills and fever may develop. (For more information on this disorder, choose "Heavy Metal" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database). Therapies: Standard Treatment of Formaldehyde Poisoning primarily consists of removing the chemical from the occupational, domestic or general environment. Workers who are exposed to formaldehyde must protect themselves with appropriate equipment so that they will not be exposed to the fumes. Other treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Therapies: Investigational This disease entry is based upon medical information available through November 1989. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder. Resources For more information on Formaldehyde Poisoning, please contact: National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) P.O. Box 8923 New Fairfield, CT 06812-1783 (203) 746-6518 American Academy of Environmental Medicine P.O. Box 16106 Denver, CO 80216 (303) 622-9755 NIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Public Affairs Office P.O. Box 12233 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 (919) 541-3345 References FORMALDEHYDE-RELATED HEALTH COMPLAINTS OF RESIDENTS LIVING IN MOBILE AND CONVENTIONAL HOMES. I.M. Ritchie, et al.; Am J Public Health (March, 1987, issue 77 (3)). Pp. 323-328. FORMALIN TOXICITY IN HYDATID LIVER DISEASE. A.R. Aggarwal, et al.; Anaesthesia (July, 1983 issue 38 (7)). Pp. 662-665. ACUTE INTRAVASCULAR HEMOLYSIS DUE TO ACCIDENTAL FORMALIN INTOXICATION DURING HEMODIALYSIS. K.K. Pun, et al.; Clin Nephrol (March, 1984, issue 21 (3)). Pp. 188-190. FORMALDEHYDE-INDUCED CORROSIVE GASTRIC CICATRIZATION: CASE REPORT. R. Kochhar, et al.; Hum Toxicol (December, 1986, issue 5 (6)). Pp. 381-382.