MINIMIZING THE TOXIC EFFECTS OF FORMALDEHYDE

In a survey of pathology residents in New York, most of the 69 respond ents reported adverse reactions to formaldehyde exposure, mostly eye a nd throat irritation, less often cough and wheezing, and sometimes diz ziness and drowsiness. A review of the world literature disclosed simi lar adverse reactions, mainly irritation of the skin, eyes, and upper respiratory tract and more serious, albeit rare, noxious effects on th e gastrointestinal and lower respiratory tracts. The causative associa tion of long-term formaldehyde exposure with cancer in humans is contr oversial and unproven. Specific actions reduce exposure and minimize t he effects of exposure to formaldehyde when it occurs.