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Formaldehyde induced symptoms in day care centers
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal
|May 1, 1982
Summary
Employees in mobile day care centers using particle board experienced more symptoms like headaches and fatigue. This is linked to higher formaldehyde levels from indoor paneling, impacting workplace health.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Urea formaldehyde glued particle board is common in indoor paneling.
- Concerns exist regarding formaldehyde off-gassing and its health effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between indoor formaldehyde exposure and employee health symptoms.
- To compare symptom frequencies in day care centers with and without particle board use.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire study was conducted among 70 employees in mobile day care centers and 34 in control institutions.
- Indoor air formaldehyde concentrations were measured.
- Symptom frequencies and demographic data were compared between groups.
Main Results:
- Employees in centers with particle board reported significantly higher frequencies of mucous membrane irritation, headache, abnormal tiredness, and menstrual irregularities.
- Formaldehyde levels were substantially higher in mobile centers (median 0.43 mg/m3) compared to control institutions (approx. 0.08 mg/m3).
- No significant differences in age or smoking habits were found between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Higher formaldehyde concentrations in indoor environments are linked to increased non-specific health symptoms in employees.
- Indoor climate conditions, influenced by building materials like particle board, can negatively impact occupational health.
- The National Health Service should be aware of formaldehyde's role in adverse health effects in workplaces.