The Toxic Effects of Formaldehyde on the Nervous System

Abstract

Formaldehyde (FA) is found in the polluted atmosphere of cities, domestic air (e.g., paint, insulating materials, chipboard and plywood, fabrics, furniture, paper), and cigarette smoke, etc.; therefore, everyone and particularly susceptible children may be exposed to FA. FA is also widely used in industrial and medical settings and as a sterilizing agent, disinfectant, and preservative. Therefore, employees may be highly exposed to it in there settings. Of particular concern to the authors are anatomists and medical students, who can be highly exposed to formaldehyde vapor during dissection sessions. Formaldehyde is toxic over a range of doses; chances of exposure and subsequent harmful effects are increased as (room) temperature increases, because of FA's volatility. Many studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of FA during systemic and respiratory exposures in rats. This review compiles that literature and emphasizes the neurotoxic effects of FA on neuronal morphology, behavior, and biochemical parameters. The review includes the results of some of the authors' work related to FA neurotoxicity, and such neurotoxic effects from FA exposure were experimentally demonstrated. Moreover, the effectiveness of some antioxidants such as melatonin, fish omega-3, and CAPE was observed in the treatment of the harmful effects of FA. Despite the harmful effects from FA exposure, it is commonly used in Turkey and elsewhere in dissection laboratories. Consequently, all anatomists must know and understand the effects of this toxic agent on organisms and the environment, and take precautions to avoid unnecessary exposure. The reviewed studies have indicated that FA has neurotoxic characteristics and systemic toxic effects. It is hypothesized that inhalation of FA, during the early postnatal period, is linked to some neurological diseases that occur in adults. Although complete prevention is impossible for laboratory workers and members of industries utilizing FA, certain precautions can be taken to decrease and/or prevent the toxic effects of FA.

Toxic effects of formaldehyde on the urinary system

“…In addition, there are available data in the literature regarding the symptoms and side effects of FA on several systems (Table 2). [29][30][31][32][33][34] Effects of formaldehyde on the urinary system The toxic effects of formaldehyde occur in several systems of the body, and both experimental and clinical investigations have attempted to elucidate the toxic effects of formaldehyde on the urinary system. In a study conducted in workers with occupational FA exposure, it was found that there was a significant increase in the incidence of renal cancers among these employees.…”

Clinical and Experimental Study of the Toxic Neuropsychiatric Effects of Formaldehyde Exposure: Has Garlic a Protective Role?

“…The CNS is one of the commonest systems affected by the FA. Occupationally subject worker to FA includes anatomists, histologists, pathologists, students, and nurses working at dialysis units [22] [44].…”

“…Exposure to FA has been reported to cause neurotoxicity in both humans and animals and the extent of damage depends on the dose and the duration of the exposure [19] [20] [21] [22]. Garlic (Allium sativum), that could be a member of [24].…”

Awareness, prevalence of hair smoothing products that contain formaldehyde and determinants of their harmful effects among women in Saudi Arabia

“…However, the high temperature used in the treatment process convert formaldehyde to gas to cause an array of health complication including irritation of the skin, eyes, lung and potential neurological complications [4,5]. The long-term exposure to formaldehyde gas is linked to permanent damage to the central nervous system and recurrent pulmonary complications [6]. Though the implication of formaldehyde in cancer development remain a controversial issue [7,8].Previous study showed a strong link between formaldehyde and cancer [9].…”