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$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.