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Bioavailability in rabbits of formaldehyde from durable-press textiles.
Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health
|January 1, 1984
Summary
Formaldehyde and its derivative DMDHEU in textiles can be absorbed by skin, with levels varying by application method and fabric type. Injected formaldehyde is rapidly excreted, unlike topically applied formaldehyde which concentrates in the skin.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Materials Science
- Dermatology
Background:
- Formaldehyde is a common chemical used in textile finishing, particularly for durable-press fabrics.
- Concerns exist regarding potential formaldehyde exposure and absorption from treated textiles.
- Dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU) is a key formaldehyde-releasing agent in textile finishing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the absorption and distribution of formaldehyde and DMDHEU from treated fabrics in a mammalian model.
- To determine the influence of application conditions on formaldehyde uptake by the skin.
- To compare the metabolic fate of formaldehyde via topical versus systemic administration.
Main Methods:
- Carbon-14 labeled formaldehyde and DMDHEU were synthesized and incorporated into cotton and polyester blend fabrics.
- Fabric patches containing radioactive compounds were applied to rabbit skin under controlled conditions (occlusion, perspiration).
- Radioactivity in skin, expired air (CO2), and other tissues/organs was quantified using metabolism chambers and scintillation counting.
Main Results:
- Topically applied aqueous formaldehyde was significantly absorbed and retained in skin (65% recovered within 4 hours).
- Radioactivity from DMDHEU-treated fabric on rabbit skin ranged from 0.09-2.61% of the applied dose, influenced by occlusion, perspiration, DMDHEU synthesis, and fabric type.
- Intravenously injected formaldehyde was rapidly excreted as 14CO2 (37% within 48 hours), with higher retention in liver, kidney, and blood compared to topical application.
Conclusions:
- Topical application of formaldehyde and DMDHEU from textiles leads to significant skin absorption and retention.
- The extent of skin absorption is influenced by various factors including fabric properties and environmental conditions.
- Formaldehyde's metabolic fate and distribution are highly dependent on the route of administration, with topical application posing a risk for localized skin exposure.