Prediction of respiratory hazards, cytotoxicity, and carcinogenicity of occupational exposure to formaldehyde in pathology laboratories

Abstract EN

OBGECTIVE: The present study aimed to clarify the respiratory health hazards of occupational exposure to formaldehyde (HCHO) in the pathology laboratories, and the role of spirometry and cytogenetic study in prediction of its respiratory, cytotoxic and carcinogenic effects.

METHODOLOGY: The target population was workers exposed to HCHO from pathology laboratories (48 workers), and non-exposed workers (42 control workers).

Respiratory medical questionnaire, ventilatory function tests, laboratory measuring of specific IgE to HCHO, and p53 were done for the two groups, in addition to cytogenetic analysis for chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges (SCE).

RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed that symptoms of upper and lower respiratory tract irritation were significantly higher among the exposed workers than among their controls.

Specific IgE was significantly higher among workers with chronic lower respiratory symptoms (wheezes and dyspnea on exertion).

Forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were significantly decreased and chromosomal aberrations were significantly increased among smokers and non-smokers exposed workers compared to their controls.

While, no significant differences detected concerning specific IgE, p53 and SCE.

The decrease in FEV1 and FVC, and the increase in chromosomal aberrations were significantly correlated with the duration of exposure.

CONCLUSION: HCHO had irritation effects to the upper and lower respiratory tract, and chronically caused decrease in ventilatory function and increase of chromosomal aberrations.

The evidence for human carcinogenicity of HCHO in the pathology laboratories remains unconvincing, but the decrease in the spirometric parameters and the increase in chromosomal aberrations cannot be neglected as predictors for its carcinogenic hazards.