Acute symptoms secondary to formaldehyde exposure in a pathology resident

Formaldehyde is ubiquitous and found at work and at home. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) lists fifty-two occupations with substantial formaldehyde exposure. Pathology is one such occupation. This report describes the incapacitating symptomatology that developed from formaldehyde exposure in a pathology resident. Diagnosis and management of formaldehyde hypersensitivity are discussed and the literature reviewed.