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Toxicity of ingested formalin and its management
C K Pandey1, A Agarwal, A Baronia
1Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow 226014, India.
Human & Experimental Toxicology
|August 30, 2000
Summary
Formaldehyde, a common metabolite and industrial chemical, can cause severe, multi-system toxicity if ingested, despite its rarity. Treatment focuses on supportive care due to the lack of a specific antidote.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Internal Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Formaldehyde is a physiological metabolite and a common component in consumer products and medical treatments.
- A 40% aqueous solution, formalin, is irritating, corrosive, and toxic, readily absorbed through the skin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the toxic effects of ingested formaldehyde (formalin).
- To outline the management strategies for formaldehyde poisoning.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of formaldehyde toxicity and case reports.
- Analysis of physiological effects and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- Ingestion of formalin, though rare, leads to rapid, severe multi-systemic effects including gastrointestinal hemorrhage, cardiovascular collapse, central nervous system depression, and hepato-renal damage.
- Metabolic acidosis and acute respiratory distress syndrome are common complications.
Conclusions:
- No specific antidote exists for formaldehyde poisoning.
- Management requires intensive supportive care and a multidisciplinary approach to address organ-specific damage.