Chronic toxicity study on formaldehyde administered orally to rats

Groups of 20 male and 20 female Wistar rats were given formaldehyde solution in their drinking water at concentrations of 0.50, 0.10, 0.02 and 0% for 24 months. Significant decreases in body weight and food and water intake were observed in the 0.50% group of both sexes and all rats in this group died by 24 months. Various non-neoplastic lesions were observed in rats, mostly in the 0.50% group. In this group, erosions and/or ulcers were evident in both the forestomach and glandular stomach. In the forestomach, squamous cell hyperplasia with or without hyperkeratosis and downward growth of basal cells were observed. Glandular hyperplasia of the fundic mucosa was noted along the limiting ridge. A few of such changes of the upper GI tract were seen in the 0.10% group. No toxicological abnormalities were found in 0.02% group of both sexes. There were no significant differences in the incidences of any tumors among groups of both sexes. Based on these findings, the no observable effect level of formaldehyde was 0.02% in the drinking water (10 mg/kg body wt./day).