Pulmonary Function Test in Formalin Exposed and Nonexposed Subjects: A Comparative Study

Overview

Journal J Pharm Bioallied Sci

Specialty Pharmacology

Date 2015 May 28

PMID 26015743

Citations 2

Authors

P Uthiravelu

A Saravanan

C Kishor Kumar

V Vaithiyanandane

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: The main function of the lung is gas exchange, which can be assessed in several ways. A spirometer measures the flow and the volumes of the inspired and expired air. The thoracic and abdominal muscle strength plays an important role in pulmonary function and diffusing lung capacity.

Aims And Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of formalin exposure on the pulmonary function to compare with healthy individuals. To assess the chronic effects of formalin exposure on Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in the faculties, lab technicians and attender of the Department of Anatomy and Pathology of SRM Medical Hospital and Research Centre, Kattankulathur.

Materials And Methods: This prospective study was carried out in 50 healthy formalin exposed subjects (at least 5 years exposure) from Department of Anatomy and Pathology of SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Kattankulathur and 50 healthy controls of same age group of this study were included after obtaining ethical clearance and consent 'Easy One Pro Spirometer (Ndd Medical Technologies, Cheshire SK 101LT, United Kingdom) was used to find out the PFT.

Results: Student's t-test was applied to compare the PFT parameters between formalin exposed and formalin nonexposed group. There was a significant difference in mean and standard deviation of pulmonary parameters with the P < 0.005 in formalin exposed, which shows that they have lesser ventilatory drive.

Conclusion: The formalin exposed subjects in our study presented with a mixed disorder of both obstructive and restrictive type. We also found that there was a negative correlation of pulmonary function with that of the degree and duration of exposure to formalin.

Citing Articles

Network-based integrated analysis for toxic effects of high-concentration formaldehyde inhalation exposure through the toxicogenomic approach.

Kang D, Lee N, Shin D, Jang Y, Lee S, Lim K Sci Rep. 2022; 12(1):5645.

PMID: 35379891 PMC: 8979994. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09673-0.

Formaldehyde exposure in gross anatomy laboratory of Suranaree University of Technology: a comparison of area and personal sampling.

Saowakon N, Ngernsoungnern P, Watcharavitoon P, Ngernsoungnern A, Kosanlavit R Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2015; 22(23):19002-12.

PMID: 26233735 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-5078-2.

References

Schachter E, Witek Jr T, Tosun T, Leaderer B, Beck G . A study of respiratory effects from exposure to 2 ppm formaldehyde in healthy subjects. Arch Environ Health. 1986; 41(4):229-39. DOI: 10.1080/00039896.1986.9938338. View

Kilburn K, Warshaw R, Boylen C, Johnson S, Seidman B, Sinclair R . Pulmonary and neurobehavioral effects of formaldehyde exposure. Arch Environ Health. 1985; 40(5):254-60. DOI: 10.1080/00039896.1985.10545928. View

Wei C, Harada K, Ohmori S, Wei Q, Minamoto K, Ueda A . Subjective symptoms of medical students exposed to formaldehyde during a gross anatomy dissection course. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2007; 20(2 Suppl 2):23-5. DOI: 10.1177/03946320070200S205. View

Khaliq F, Tripathi P . Acute effects of formalin on pulmonary functions in gross anatomy laboratory. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2009; 53(1):93-6. View

. Formaldehyde, 2-butoxyethanol and 1-tert-butoxypropan-2-ol. IARC Monogr Eval Carcinog Risks Hum. 2007; 88:1-478. PMC: 4781641. View

Alexandersson R, Hedenstierna G, Kolmodin-Hedman B . Exposure to formaldehyde: effects on pulmonary function. Arch Environ Health. 1982; 37(5):279-84. DOI: 10.1080/00039896.1982.10667579. View

Holness D, Nethercott J . Health status of funeral service workers exposed to formaldehyde. Arch Environ Health. 1989; 44(4):222-8. DOI: 10.1080/00039896.1989.9935887. View

Green D, Bascom R, Healey E, Hebel J, Sauder L, Kulle T . Acute pulmonary response in healthy, nonsmoking adults to inhalation of formaldehyde and carbon. J Toxicol Environ Health. 1989; 28(3):261-75. DOI: 10.1080/15287398909531347. View

Alexandersson R, Hedenstierna G . Pulmonary function in wood workers exposed to formaldehyde: a prospective study. Arch Environ Health. 1989; 44(1):5-11. DOI: 10.1080/00039896.1989.9935865. View

10.

Green D, Sauder L, Kulle T, Bascom R . Acute response to 3.0 ppm formaldehyde in exercising healthy nonsmokers and asthmatics. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1987; 135(6):1261-6. DOI: 10.1164/arrd.1987.135.6.1261. View

11.

Malaka T, KODAMA A . Respiratory health of plywood workers occupationally exposed to formaldehyde. Arch Environ Health. 1990; 45(5):288-94. DOI: 10.1080/00039896.1990.10118748. View

12.

Kulle T, Sauder L, Hebel J, Green D, Chatham M . Formaldehyde dose-response in healthy nonsmokers. JAPCA. 1987; 37(8):919-24. DOI: 10.1080/08940630.1987.10466285. View

13.

Sauder L, Chatham M, Green D, Kulle T . Acute pulmonary response to formaldehyde exposure in healthy nonsmokers. J Occup Med. 1986; 28(6):420-4. DOI: 10.1097/00043764-198606000-00008. View

14.

Harving H, Korsgaard J, Pedersen O, Molhave L, Dahl R . Pulmonary function and bronchial reactivity in asthmatics during low-level formaldehyde exposure. Lung. 1990; 168(1):15-21. DOI: 10.1007/BF02719669. View

15.

Kilburn K, Warshaw R, Thornton J . Formaldehyde impairs memory, equilibrium, and dexterity in histology technicians: effects which persist for days after exposure. Arch Environ Health. 1987; 42(2):117-20. DOI: 10.1080/00039896.1987.9935806. View

16.

IMBUS H, Tochilin S . Acute effect upon pulmonary function of low level exposure to phenol-formaldehyde-resin-coated wood. Am Ind Hyg Assoc J. 1988; 49(9):434-7. DOI: 10.1080/15298668891380033. View

17.

Bardana Jr E, Montanaro A . Formaldehyde: an analysis of its respiratory, cutaneous, and immunologic effects. Ann Allergy. 1991; 66(6):441-52. View

18.

Sauder L, Green D, Chatham M, Kulle T . Acute pulmonary response of asthmatics to 3.0 ppm formaldehyde. Toxicol Ind Health. 1987; 3(4):569-78. DOI: 10.1177/074823378700300408. View

19.

Chia S, Ong C, Foo S, Lee H . Medical students' exposure to formaldehyde in a gross anatomy dissection laboratory. J Am Coll Health. 1992; 41(3):115-9. DOI: 10.1080/07448481.1992.9936310. View