NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search

Occupational exposure to formaldehyde - recent NIOSH involvement.

Blade LM

Proceedings, Formaldehyde Toxicity - 1982 Update, Clary, J., J. Gibson, and R. Waxitz, editors; Marcel Dekker, New York, 1983:1-29

00133252

Results of occupational exposure studies of formaldehyde (50000) conducted by NIOSH since 1980 are reviewed. Five instruments for sampling the workplace air for formaldehyde are discussed: the Draeger Detector Tube, CEA instruments model 555, sodium-bisulfite impinger, charcoal impregnated tube, and coated chromosorb 102 tube. The methodology and uses of each are considered. Data from the industrial hygiene surveys is grouped, based on the concentrations and sources of formaldehyde and the types of facilities in which it was found. Data from all studies is grouped into three exposure ranges: high, above 1.0 parts per million (ppm); intermediate, between 0.1 and 1.0ppm; and low, below 0.1ppm. Formaldehyde sources include formalin, gas release or pyrolysis of process materials, and building or furnishing materials that released the vapor. The two facilities with high exposure concentrations were a hospital gross histology laboratory and a government laboratory. Intermediate exposure concentrations were found in hospital dialysis units, an animal dissection laboratory, garment manufacturing facilities, a chemical manufacturing facility, a facility manufacturing scientific glassware, a hospital, and a company packaging paraformaldehyde (30525894). Low exposure concentrations occurred in four offices and a college administration building, a government office building, and an elementary school. The data on which these groupings were made is summarized. The author concludes that generalizations on facilities studied and corresponding exposure ranges are not necessarily valid for other facilities but suggest an appropriate sampling strategy. Future directions of NIOSH formaldehyde study are suggested.

Aldehydes; Chemical-properties; Industrial-hygiene; Toxic-effects; Workplace-studies; Employee-exposure; Air-sampling; Histology; Sampling-methods

50-00-0; 30525-89-4

19830101

Conference/Symposia Proceedings

1983

DSHEFS

Proceedings, Formaldehyde Toxicity - 1982 Update, Clary, J., J. Gibson, and R. Waxitz, editors; Marcel Dekker, New York, 29 pages, 23 references

NY; OH