Exposure to formaldehyde and its potential human health hazards

J Environ Sci Health C Environ Carcinog Ecotoxicol Rev. 2011 Oct;29(4):277-99. doi: 10.1080/10590501.2011.629972.

Abstract

A widely used chemical, formaldehyde is normally present in both indoor and outdoor air. The rapid growth of formaldehyde-related industries in the past two decades reflects the result of its increased use in building materials and other commercial sectors. Consequently, formaldehyde is encountered almost every day from large segments of society due to its various sources. Many governments and agencies around the world have thus issued a series of standards to regulate its exposure in homes, office buildings, workshops, public places, and food. In light of the deleterious properties of formaldehyde, this article provides an overview of its market, regulation standards, and human health effects.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants, Occupational / immunology
  • Air Pollutants, Occupational / poisoning
  • Air Pollutants, Occupational / toxicity*
  • Air Pollution, Indoor*
  • Animals
  • Construction Materials / poisoning
  • Construction Materials / toxicity
  • Environmental Monitoring*
  • Female
  • Formaldehyde / immunology
  • Formaldehyde / poisoning
  • Formaldehyde / toxicity*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Occupational Exposure / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Rats

Substances

  • Air Pollutants, Occupational
  • Formaldehyde