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CHRONIC RESPIRATORY EFFECTS OF INDOOR FORMALDEHYDE EXPOSURE
Citation:
Krzyzanowksi, M., J. Quackenboss, AND M. Lebowitz. CHRONIC RESPIRATORY EFFECTS OF INDOOR FORMALDEHYDE EXPOSURE. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/J-90/442.
Description:
The relation of chronic respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function to formaldehyde (HCHO) in homes was studied in a sample of 298 children (6 - 15 years of age) and 613 adults. CHO measurements were made with passive samplers two one-week periods. ata on chronic cough and phlegm, wheeze, attacks of breathlessness, and doctor diagnoses of chronic bronchitis and asthma were collected with self-completed questionnaires. eak expiratory flow rates (PEFR) were obtained during the evenings and mornings for up to 14 consecutive days for each individual. ignificantly greater prevalence rates of asthma and chronic bronchitis were found in children from houses with HCHO levels 60-120 ppb than in those less exposed, especially in children also exposed to environmental tobacco smoke. n children, levels of PEFR linearly decreased with HCHO exposure, with estimated decrease due to 60 ppb of HCHO equivalent to 22% of PEFR level in nonexposed children. he effects in asthmatic children exposed to HCHO below 50 ppb were greater than in healthy ones. he effects in adults were less evident: ecrements in PEFR due to HCHO over 40 ppb were seen only in the morning, and mainly in smokers.