Plastic life: formaldehyde and us. Toxic formaldehyde: where it is found and how it affects the body

Many chemicals are particularly toxic to humans. The effect of formaldehyde on the human body can become dangerous and cause intense intoxication of internal organs.

What is formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a chemical compound that has a pungent odor, can dissolve in liquids and ignite. Formalin is a 40% aqueous solution of formaldehyde.

The chemical characteristics of the poison pose a threat to human health and life. If you drink formaldehyde in an amount of 35 to 90 mg, you can die.

The substance is produced industrially by the oxidation of methanol. Formalin belongs to the first class of danger, as it can affect the cellular level. The poison can penetrate internal organs as a result of chemical interactions that have occurred, and also formed in living organisms from other substances. Methanol is found in many household chemicals.

A person is regularly exposed to negative fumes, but a single inhalation of formaldehyde, as a rule, does not provoke serious consequences.

The smell of formaldehyde is extremely pungent and unpleasant. However, detecting poison on your own is almost impossible: this requires special instruments and reagents.

The smell of formaldehyde can be described as specific. At the moment, pharmacy chains sell the antiseptic “Formidron”, which contains formaldehyde. Use the product carefully, avoiding inhalation of vapors.

The permissible dose of the substance is up to 0.2% in cosmetics ah and up to 0.1% in mouth rinses. In medicines its content should not exceed 0.5%. Products containing 5% of this compound can also be used, but are contraindicated for use on the face.

The maximum permissible concentration in cosmetics, in particular shampoos and bathing foams, is 0.1%, with only 1 person out of 75,000 experiencing a negative skin reaction.

As follows from the description, formaldehyde is one of the dangerous poisons that can disrupt the functioning of internal organs and cause human death.

Scope of application

The substance is used primarily in medicine and industry. This compound is included in nail polishes and hair care products. A small dose of it is included in some cosmetic preparations as a disinfectant and preservatives, and is included in creams, deodorants, shampoos, and mouth rinses.

Sources of poisoning by chemical compounds are divided into several hazard classes based on their properties. Formaldehyde is a strong toxin, has the ability to explode, and has a negative effect on humans upon internal penetration.

There are a large number of sources of intoxication. These include:

• gas stoves;
• vehicle exhaust gases;
• glue;
• medicines;
• household chemicals;
• cosmetics;
• carpets;
• smoke from tobacco and electronic cigarettes;
• fertilizers and others.

The maximum concentration is observed at high humidity and high temperatures.

The properties of formaldehyde are used as a disinfectant. medical equipment and devices for sterilizing objects, treating diaper rash and skin lesions, and reducing sweating.

The use of formaldehyde is exclusively external: inhaling and drinking the solution is extremely dangerous for life.. It is used for local disinfection, as a deodorizing and astringent. In addition, a diluted solution is used for douching.

The substance is most often found in the chemical industry, in the production of paints, paper products, resins, textiles and plastics. The compound has also found its application in the woodworking industry, in the manufacture floor coverings, processing of animal skins, as an antiseptic and antimicrobial agent, as well as in the production of yeast.

Impact on humans

The effect of the compound on the human body is extremely unfavorable: it can cause severe poisoning and is equivalent to arsenic intoxication. Under the influence of vapors, the brain, respiratory system, and mucous surfaces suffer. The harm of formaldehyde to humans is severe intoxication of internal organs. The most severe consequences include:

• swelling of the pulmonary system and larynx, causing difficulty breathing, respiratory failure, which often causes death;
• kidney inflammation;
• menstruation and endocrine disorders leading to the inability to conceive in women;
• difficulty urinating, leading to coma;
• death of the mucous membranes of the stomach and esophagus;
• internal hemorrhage.

Is formaldehyde harmful to humans? This question can definitely be answered positively.

With regular inhalation of vapors, a person may become more sensitive to the poison, which ultimately leads to more serious complications.

In addition, the poison negatively affects internal organs: liver, kidneys, respiratory and visual systems, and is also a powerful allergen. Formalin has a carcinogenic effect on the fetus, leading to cell mutation, destroying nerve tissue and optic canals. Having penetrated the bloodstream, it reacts with blood proteins and is synthesized into formic acid, which is difficult to remove from internal organs.

What is the effect of formaldehyde on children? Babies are the most sensitive to the world around them, which is why a carcinogen can have a significant impact on their body. With continuous interaction with dangerous objects even its small concentration can cause serious complications. The substance may be contained in children's toys, teethers, pacifiers, stickers, and plastic baby dolls.

Consequences of poisoning

A carcinogen can enter the human body in the following ways:

• by inhalation;
• orally;
• by direct interaction with the skin.

It is worth noting that the distribution of this compound throughout the body is uneven. It deposits most intensively in the following internal organs:

• pancreas;
• mucous surfaces of the intestinal system;
• lymph;
• salivary glands;
• bone marrow.

If accidentally or intentionally ingested, people may develop:

• severe renal failure;
• liver pathology, characterized by the destruction of its cells;
• bleeding of the mucous surfaces of the stomach;
• necrosis of the esophagus.

Formaldehyde can be a respiratory irritant and lead to these pathologies:

• bronchitis;
• pulmonary obstruction;
• exacerbation of bronchial asthma.

When interacting with the skin, the compound can provoke:

• dermatitis, which often becomes chronic;
• hives, rash;
• destruction of nails;
• redness and burning;
• weeping eczema.

The substance can destroy the immune system, provoke changes in blood composition, reduce the levels of lymphocytes and immunoglobulin A, so the dangers of formaldehyde should be known to anyone who wants to protect themselves from the effects of poison.

Symptoms of intoxication

Formaldehyde poisoning may have some characteristics, mainly from the brain and respiratory organs. These include:

• attack of suffocation;
• coughing;
• difficulty breathing;
• itching and burning of the mucous surfaces of the esophagus and larynx;
• diarrhea and vomiting with blood streaks;
• intense thirst;
• pale skin;
• mood swings;
• prostration;
• sleep disturbance;
• convulsive syndrome;
• coordination disorder;
• headache;
• weight loss.

In people who frequently come into contact with poison, signs may manifest themselves in the form of allergic reactions, hives, and brittle nails. In women there is a disruption in menstruation, in men there is a decrease in libido.

High concentrations can lead to toxic shock, coma, and death.

Who's at risk

The following categories of the population are most susceptible to the effects of the carcinogen:

• people involved in the chemical industry;
• living near chemical plants;
• workers in workshops for the production of furniture, paper, sewing accessories, food additives;
• medical laboratory technicians;
• morgue workers;
• people whose activities involve embalming corpses and funeral services.

In addition, a connection has been established between formaldehyde and cancer: it is considered a strong carcinogen.

Studies on formalin have found that workers involved in embalming corpses and making furniture are more prone to skin cancer, tumors respiratory system, neoplasms in the stomach, lungs, prostate, intestines.

People engaged in potentially hazardous production for more than 10 years are at increased risk for the following malignant diseases:

• Hodgkin's lymphoma;
• myeloma;
• myeloid leukemia.

Determined that the substance acts directly on cells, which provokes gene mutation.

First aid and treatment

In case of food poisoning that contains formaldehyde, the victim must be taken to the hospital by calling medical professionals. If necessary, if the patient requires immediate assistance, emergency measures will help:

• remove remaining poison from the stomach by lavage or inducing artificial vomiting;
• the patient needs to take Activated carbon with the calculation of 1 tablet per 10 kg of weight, having previously dissolved it in water. The stomach should be emptied within 2 hours;
• in case of intoxication, it is necessary to provide the person with a flow of fresh air by opening windows and doors wide or take the victim outside;
• will help neutralize the effect of inhalation poison with water and ammonia, which can remove an excess of the compound;
• if the carcinogen penetrates the skin and mucous membranes, they should be washed abundantly with water and wiped with ammonia;
• in case of contact with the organs of vision, the eyes are instilled with drops of the following composition: 8 drops of adrenaline and 2 drops of novocaine, which can neutralize the poison;
• when swallowing the solution, chloride or ammonium carbonate will help, which prevent the compound from being absorbed into the circulatory system;
• if the patient has lost consciousness, he is placed on his left side to avoid penetration of vomit into the respiratory system and suffocation.

Treatment methods for formaldehyde intoxication depend on the characteristics of the clinical picture, the mechanism by which the poison enters the internal organs, as well as the symptoms that appear.

In some cases, medications are used that stabilize the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, sedatives, and respiratory analeptics.

In a hospital setting, the victim can undergo a hemodialysis procedure, in which blood is passed through membranes, which is effective measure to eliminate toxins.

An isotonic solution or glucose is injected into the patient’s veins together with a diuretic. In addition, specialists need to monitor the functioning of the central nervous system and heart. Used to prevent liver disorders vitamin complexes and hepatoprotectors.

Prevention

A person engaged in hazardous production should limit the time of interaction with toxic compounds, systematically undergo medical examinations, and include lactic acid products and milk in the diet.

With prolonged exposure to low concentrations of poison apply individual means protection: respirators, masks, special protective clothing, gloves.

In order to prevent liver damage, it is necessary to periodically take hepatoprotectors, for example, Karsil, Hepabene, and visit medical sanatoriums and resorts.

People who are not directly involved in hazardous production are also susceptible to the influence of poisons and experience deterioration in their health, often without realizing it.

For the purpose of prevention, as well as to remove carcinogens from your home, you should resort to the following methods:

• After purchasing new furniture, regularly ventilate the room;
• When cleaning, use rubber or latex gloves to reduce contact with detergents;
• maintain optimal humidity and temperature in the home.

Besides, Plants will help reduce and neutralize the impact of dangerous fumes: ficus, chamedorea, ivy, fern.

The poison is especially dangerous for young children and the elderly. However, it is impossible to completely limit yourself and loved ones from its effects, since the compound can be found in small quantities almost everywhere. You can reduce its negative impact by carefully studying the composition of the purchased goods and products. Many manufacturers use formaldehyde in the production of household items and food to extend shelf life and give the purchase a marketable appearance.

Many people who purchase new furniture or are planning to renovate their apartment are faced with the concept of formaldehyde. It turns out that this colorless gas can be released into the air for years and negatively affect health. What is the source of formaldehyde and why it is dangerous, we will consider in this article.

Brief description of the substance

Formaldehyde (methanal, formic aldehyde) is a colorless, toxic, highly soluble gas in water, polar solvents and alcohols with a pungent odor, hazard class 1. An aqueous, urea-stabilized solution of formaldehyde is used in the furniture and woodworking industries for chipboard production and other “plywood” materials. It is used in the manufacture of thermoset polymers and in industrial organic synthesis. Widely used in light industry, medicine, cosmetology, agriculture. It is characterized by good antiseptic, bactericidal, tanning and preservative properties.

• Maximum single maximum permissible concentration (MPC) of formaldehyde (Russia) - 0.05 mg/m³;
• The average daily MPC (Russia) is 0.01 mg/m³;
• MPC of substance in the air of residential premises (European countries): 120 μg/m 3 ;
• Odor threshold: 0.07-0.2 mg/m3;
• Threshold of the reflex response of the animal body: 0.04-0.098 mg/m 3 ;
• Threshold of irritant effects on the mucous membrane of the human visual organs: 0.012 mg/m 3 .

Danger to humans

Formaldehyde is a major air pollutant. It accumulates in the human body and is very difficult to remove from it. The most dangerous is the long-term effect of a substance on the body, during which it has allergenic, mutagenic and carcinogenic effects. Clinical manifestations can develop over different periods of time, which largely depends on the state of the immune system. For some it is months, for others it is years. Children, the elderly and people suffering from chronic diseases are prone to strong negative influences.

• It has severe toxicity and adversely affects the reproductive organs and genetic material. The danger as a mutagen lies in the fact that the substance not only leads to the development of somatic mutations, but also the body itself accumulates these mutations and they are subsequently transmitted to offspring.
• Poisons the lungs, irritates the respiratory tract and makes breathing difficult. Can cause asthma and provoke asthmatic attacks.
• Irritates the eyes and skin, provokes the development of neurotic eczema.
• Causes the development of gastrointestinal ulcers, damage to the kidneys and liver, and leads to causeless loss of body weight.
• It has a pronounced negative effect on the central nervous system: it causes fatigue, headaches, depression, depression. Impairs performance and general well-being.

Included in the list of carcinogenic substances. The international agency that assesses the risk of developing cancer has proven the connection between formaldehyde, which is used in the production of plastics, resins, paints and varnishes, textiles, and also as a preservative and disinfectant, with an increased risk of nasopharyngeal cancer.

Sources of formaldehyde emissions in everyday life

We ourselves or the hands of careless builders and workers can turn our houses and apartments, which are a place for rest of soul and body, into a real chemical laboratory! In addition to dangerous formaldehyde, the air in residential premises may contain phenol, toluene, xylene, benzene, styrene, etc. If basic ventilation is neglected, the concentration of harmful chemicals can double in just one day.

According to WHO statistics, the air in urban residential premises is 4-6 times dirtier than outside, and the main contribution to the chemical “bouquet” comes from finishing and construction materials and furniture.

Formaldehyde vapor is a combustion product organic matter, which are present in:

• car exhaust gases (therefore, excesses are more often recorded in apartments of houses located along major highways);
• smog;
• tobacco smoke, including from electronic cigarettes;
• fumes from fireplaces, gas stoves.

Chemical vapors evaporate into the air from building materials:

• Chipboard, fibreboard, FRP, from which the prevailing quantity is produced modern furniture. Boards impregnated with urea-formaldehyde and phenol-formaldehyde resins (which make up 6–18% of the total mass of the material) are the main building material - a source of formaldehyde in the house. For those who do not know the smell of formaldehyde, there is a simple way to “get to know it” - go to the market where they sell chipboard and smell the slabs;
• MDF, OSB, plywood with phenol-formaldehyde resins in the composition, used for interior decoration and insulation of residential buildings;
• adhesives, mastics, paints, varnishes, sealants (especially cheap ones);
• market, non-certified Decoration Materials: wallpaper, laminate, linoleum, baseboards, etc., which are the most phony finishing materials.

Also the source of the substance can be:

• all cracks that are sealed with sealant. The predominant share of sealants is made on the basis of resins, which emit harmful gases;
• soundproofing materials and insulation made of polystyrene foam, cheap components bonded with resins;
• beds, mattresses, sofas and other upholstered furniture, carpets, heavy curtains. Formaldehyde is released from furniture if it was used during its production (at any stage of technological production). But formaldehyde in fabrics (carpets and curtains) can accumulate from other sources and subsequently be released into the air.

One of the first signs of presence high content substances in the air is the appearance of a sharp characteristic odor, which can be described as hospital or pharmacy. This smell is noticeable even at a concentration 25 times less than the permissible one. Some people think that this is the smell of new furniture, but in fact, it is the smell of formaldehyde.

Symptoms of acute and chronic formaldehyde poisoning

Serious poisoning from internal ingestion of formaldehyde solution and contact of the substance with the skin, as well as poisoning by its vapors, are possible in the conditions of chemical and other production in which this chemical is part technological process. At home, formalhyde enters the body through inhalation through inhalation.

Formaldehyde poisoning can develop in three ways:

• if ingested;
• by inhalation;
• upon contact with skin.

Accordingly, the symptoms will also vary, prevailing on the part of a certain system: when swallowed, the gastrointestinal tract is more affected, and when inhaled, the respiratory organs are more affected.

Short-term ingestion of a large amount of a substance into the body leads to the development of acute poisoning, and long-term ingestion in small doses, even slightly exceeding the MPC, causes chronic poisoning. Signs of poisoning vary among different people manifest themselves in their own way.

	Symptoms of acute formaldehyde poisoning	Symptoms of chronic poisoning
Nervous system	Severe headache, complete loss of strength, loss of coordination, hand tremors, convulsions, impaired consciousness, coma	Sleep disturbance, mental agitation, persistent headaches, chronic fatigue, drowsiness, lethargy, lethargy, coordination disorder (see)
Reproductive system	—	Menstrual irregularities in women
Vegetative manifestations	Severe chills	Trembling, chills at normal T, impaired sweating and thermoregulation
Respiratory system	Runny nose, cough, shortness of breath, choking, swelling of the pharynx and lungs	Persistent dry cough, irritation of nose, throat and asthma attacks
Leather	Pallor of the skin, blisters on the skin (if the substance comes into contact with the skin)	Allergies, skin irritation, including eczema, dermatitis, nail damage
Organs of vision	Watery eyes, pain in the eyes, acute conjunctivitis, dilated pupils	Eye irritation visual impairment
Digestive organs	Increased salivation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, severe pain along the esophagus (internal route of entry)	Loss of appetite, weight loss, dyspepsia
The cardiovascular system	Increased heart rate, sharp increase in blood pressure	Blood pressure surges

Internal intake of 60-90 ml of an aqueous solution of formaldehyde (formalin) leads to death! A concentration of a substance in the air equal to 20 mg/m 3 leads to death within 30 minutes of exposure!

If timely first aid is not provided for acute poisoning, the following conditions develop that pose a direct threat to life:

• Gastrointestinal bleeding. This is a consequence of the internal entry of a substance into the body (accidental or intentional use), which develops when the vascular walls of the submucosal layer of the stomach and duodenum are corroded. The patient notes increasing weakness, dark vomiting or vomiting with blood, and black loose stools.
• Acute liver failure, toxic hepatitis. It also develops when the substance gets ingested. The skin and mucous membranes noticeably turn yellow, there is severe pain in the right hypochondrium, and consciousness is impaired.
• Acute kidney damage: swelling, complete absence of urine.
• Acute circulatory failure.
• Swelling of the mucous membrane of the larynx and lungs develops with vapor poisoning and leads to suffocation.

First aid for victims

The most important thing is to call an ambulance immediately! A person’s life often depends on the time of her arrival.

• The victim needs to be provided with fresh air and rest. If inhalation poisoning occurs, the person should be removed/removed from this room.
• Give the victim clean, cool water to drink (if he is conscious and there are no signs of substance ingestion). You cannot try to rinse the stomach on your own or induce vomiting: doctors will do this using special solutions.
• Rinse the affected area of ​​skin with running cool water for 15-20 minutes, while the formaldehyde solution still gets on the skin.
• Ensure passability respiratory tract if the person is unconscious: put him on his back and turn his head to the side.

Inpatient treatment of acute formaldehyde poisoning

As a rule, even at the scene of an incident, the first aid team carries out measures to prevent further complications and save a person’s life:

• Probe lavage of the gastric cavity with water or saline solution.
• Administration of hemostatic drugs when signs of bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract occur.
• Administration of painkillers for severe pain (often with a burn of the esophagus), drugs that stabilize vital signs: heartbeat, blood pressure, breathing.
• Placement of a dropper with solutions to reduce intoxication.
• Intubation and artificial respiration for laryngeal edema.

The victim is hospitalized in the intensive care unit or toxicology department, where he is diagnosed and treated as follows:

• administration of ammonium carbonate or 3% chloride - formaldehyde antidotes;
• hemodialysis (for kidney damage);
• surgical intervention in the presence of bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract;
• other infusion therapy in the required volume.

The prognosis largely depends on the timeliness of medical care. In any case, this is a life-threatening condition that requires serious hospital treatment. After poisoning, sensitivity to formaldehyde increases significantly, so a subsequent similar situation can become fatal!

How to test the air in residential premises for formaldehyde content

It’s easy to suspect trouble: if you feel bad at home, don’t get enough sleep, there is constant irritability and discomfort, it’s time to take air measurements in your apartment. People react differently to the chemical, with some experiencing increased sensitivity. Particular vigilance should be exercised if you have recently moved to a new house or have renovated your apartment.

The concentration of formaldehyde that is created indoors depends not only on the sources of its release, but also on the temperature and humidity of the air, the type and speed of ventilation (ventilation frequency), the type of heating (central or stove) and the presence of other sources using combustion processes (smokers , gas stoves).

• New materials are active releases of chemicals into the air.
• Formaldehyde emissions decrease as materials age and reach background values ​​after 3-5 years. However, if we're talking about O upholstered furniture, chemical release can occur even after 10 years of operation.
• High temperatures and high humidity, stove heating, gas stoves determine an increased release of the substance into the air.

How and when to start analyzing the indoor air environment?

Most often, people contact the laboratory immediately after purchasing furniture or making repairs. But it’s better to wait 1-3 months. Even after quality repairs It is recommended to ventilate the apartment well for several weeks. The same applies to the option when new furniture is purchased.

• You should not contact organizations that operate a laboratory (even an accredited one) and that themselves carry out apartment repairs. There is a high probability that the results will be falsified in order to impose their repairs and “safe” materials on you.
• Measurements must be carried out by representatives of the sanitary and epidemiological service or specialists from an independent accredited laboratory.
• Home control devices air environment They only give an approximate estimate!

How are measurements taken? Most often, laboratory specialists conduct air tests in the apartment and outside at the same time, and at once for several of the most common pollutants - formaldehyde, nitrogen, ammonia, carbon, phenol and hydrogen sulfide. On average, the procedure takes 30-40 minutes. Using devices, air is pumped through special liquid reagents, which are placed in sorption tubes (one for each chemical substance). Analysis of selected samples is carried out using different methods already in the laboratory, one of the modern ones is gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection

How to test furniture for formaldehyde?

Chemical analysis of a material sample is carried out in laboratories and requires the provision of this same sample. those. You will have to say goodbye to some of the furniture. It would be good if the furniture was made to order and a sample was preserved. In other cases, you will have to sacrifice something.

We are in a hurry to disappoint those who believe that they can save on materials and then check them for “purity” by submitting them for examination - examining materials for the presence of formaldehyde is not a cheap pleasure, so in the end the purchase may turn out to be golden, and if it turns out to be that the material is of poor quality will be doubly offensive.

How to protect yourself from harmful chemicals

Unfortunately, no one can guarantee 100% cleanliness of indoor air. preventive measure. However, following simple safety rules will minimize the likelihood that you breathe the mixture chemical substances, and not clean air:

• Choose building and finishing materials carefully and buy them in stores, not in markets.
• If possible, give preference to products made from solid wood or metal. When purchasing pressed wood materials, you should choose laminated products or those with veneered ends.
• Ask sellers for documents that are a mandatory requirement of technical regulations on the safety of building materials:
  • certificate or declaration of conformity with the registered manufacturer and place of production;
  • quality passport;
  • technical documents on safe use.
• Be sure to keep copies of certificates and receipts. If toxic substances, the source of which were certain materials, are subsequently detected in the indoor air, a claim can be filed with the store within 2 years.
• Do not use for internal repair work materials that are intended for outdoor use! Yes, they are often cheaper, but they are subject to other, less stringent safety requirements.
• Don’t buy into the “environmentally friendly” or “environmentally safe” labels. They are not regulated in any way by law and are not at all a guarantee that the material is safe. The main confirmation of safety is the relevant documents!
• Also, you should not buy into quick-drying, ultra-flexible, extra-strong and other materials with improved properties. Most often, all these additional effects are achieved through a variety of chemical additives.
• Do not move into an apartment/house immediately after renovation and “packing” it new furniture: at least for the first 3 months, your cozy home is nothing more than a small environmental disaster. Even if individually each chemical substance does not exceed the norm, their combined effect, and sometimes mutual reinforcement of the negative impact on humans, creates dangerous air pollution.
• Maintain a healthy microclimate in your living quarters: ventilate rooms more often and do not overuse heaters.
• Wash fabrics before use.
• Get yourself indoor plants that are capable of absorbing “chemistry”: dracaena, fern, bush chrysanthemum, ivy.
• When purchasing air purifiers, give preference to photocatalytic devices. They have been scientifically proven to remove formaldehyde from the air.
• As for the protective polyurethane coating on pressed wood products, which can trap the substance inside the product and prevent its evaporation into the air, this is relative protection. For effective protection such coatings must completely cover the surface of the product, including corners, edges, and edges, which is not always feasible.

In addition to chemical air pollution, Negative influence Radiation can affect people’s health and make them feel worse, electromagnetic radiation, bacterial pollutants, allergens, dust mites and a number of other environmental factors, therefore it is recommended to conduct a comprehensive environmental assessment of residential premises, which, unfortunately, will not be cheap.

From the article you will learn what formaldehyde is and how it affects human health.

Since our school days, we have known that some chemicals, in different concentrations, can bring both benefit and harm to humans.

Currently, with the development of new building materials, plastics, cosmetics and many things familiar to us, production cannot do without formaldehyde. But not many people know what effect formaldehyde actually has on our body and how to protect ourselves from it.

What is formaldehyde and what compounds can be found in everyday life

Formaldehyde is a chemical compound in the form of a gas with an unpleasant, pungent odor and is flammable. Soluble in water and alcohols. Its aqueous solution is called formalin. Other compounds in solid form and crystals are called paraformaldehyde and thyroxane.

Formaldehyde is produced industrially by the oxidation of methanol under the action of catalysts at a temperature of 600 degrees. This has long been mastered effective method obtaining formaldehyde. This substance is a potent poison of the first class of danger (extremely dangerous poisons). Acts directly on cellular structures. The smell is so unpleasant that the sensitivity threshold does not exceed 0.1-0.3 mg/m3.

It is important to understand that formaldehyde can enter the human body not in its pure form, but as a product chemical reaction in the human body from other compounds. Thus, the chemical substance methanol is included in many solvents and household chemicals.

Formaldehyde can be formed in the human body through the oxidation of methanol.

How does formaldehyde affect the human body?

Formaldehyde is a poison with a general toxic effect on the body. It affects the nervous system, respiratory tract, liver, kidneys, organs of vision, acts as a strong irritant on the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and eyes, and also acts as a strong allergen.

It has carcinogenic, teratogenic (effects on the fetus), embryotoxic, mutagenic effects. By affecting the body at the cellular level, formaldehyde causes a deficiency of ATP molecules, especially in the brain and retina of the eyes, which contributes to the destruction nerve tissue and visual analyzers.

Getting into the blood in one way or another, formaldehyde binds to blood proteins, most of which quickly turns into formic acid, which is very slowly eliminated from the body. Formaldehyde can enter the body in the following ways:

• inhalation;
• oral (through the mouth);
• cutaneous or contact.

When entering by inhalation, the toxic substance is adsorbed in the upper respiratory tract, about 75% undergoes further transformation and is excreted with carbon dioxide in the inhaled air. After penetration into the blood, formaldehyde quickly concentrates in the tissues. Its distribution throughout the body is not uniform.

Most of it settles in tissues with high level cell division and high speed protein synthesis:

• Bone marrow;
• lymphoid tissue;
• intestinal mucosa;
• salivary glands;
• pancreas.

When entering the digestive system, after 12 hours a larger amount may be in the bone marrow.

The effect of formaldehyde on the human body is very harmful; if it enters the body by ingestion (accidental or intentional), it acutely develops:

• Necrosis of the mucous and submucous membranes of the esophagus and stomach.
• Hemorrhage of the gastric mucosa.
• Destruction of liver cells.
• Development of liver and kidney failure during the day.

An irritating effect on the upper respiratory tract can be caused by pathologies such as:

• Tracheobronchitis.
• Broncho-obstructive pulmonary diseases.
• Exacerbation and worsening of chronic lung diseases (COPD and bronchial asthma).

In case of contact with skin:

• Contact dermatitis, which often becomes chronic.
• Nail diseases
• Hives
• Reduced sweating of areas of the skin that have had contact with the chemical compound.
• Redness.
• Weeping eczema.

Effect on the immune system. Studies have shown that those exposed to phenol and formaldehyde for a long time developed the following changes in the blood:

• Decreased lymphocyte content.
• Decreased immunoglobulin A levels.

Women who work with formaldehyde or methanol as part of their duties develop reproductive dysfunction:

• Menstrual irregularities.
• Spontaneous abortions.
• Algomenorrhea.
• Hypermenstrual syndrome.
• Diseases of the cervix.
• Diseases of the uterine and vaginal appendages.

The applications of formaldehyde are extremely wide, and without knowing it, we are exposed to this common poison every day.

Formaldehyde and its predecessor methanol are primarily found in the chemical industry. The air of industrial cities is characterized by a high content of formaldehyde, especially enterprises producing resins, plastics, paints, textiles, paper.

• Car exhaust gases (large cities are at risk).
• Thermal power plants, boiler houses, waste incineration plants and stations.

The use of formaldehyde compounds in urea-formaldehyde resins for the manufacture of wood-based products (chipboard, fibreboard, MDF). This resin is a binding agent for shavings and sawdust

• In the wood processing industry and the production of furniture and wooden floor coverings (laminate, parquet, solid wood varnished).
• Formalin - as a tanning agent and disinfectant in histological laboratories, higher medical educational institutions(Departments of Anatomy, Histology, Biology).
• Leather production (processing of animal skins).

In Russia, formaldehyde is used as an antimicrobial substance in the processing of sugar beets and the production of yeast.

Hexamethylenetetramine (as a food additive as a preservative, in medicine as an antiseptic, in everyday life as a dry fuel). In disinfectants and cleaning agents. Active use in the cosmetics industry, namely in the manufacture of creams, shampoos, and mouth rinses.

• In nail care products (decorative varnishes).
• Medicines for external use to combat sweaty feet.
• Cigarette smoke.

Who is most susceptible to formaldehyde?

In addition to the daily exposure to low concentrations in residential premises and the use of substances familiar to us, there are categories of people who are especially susceptible to high concentrations of formaldehyde.

1. Industrial workers who work in the production of formaldehyde and formaldehyde-containing products.
2. Residents of the sanitary zone around chemical plants producing methanol, formaldehyde, paints and varnishes, plastics, etc.
3. Workers of factories producing wood-containing panels (OSB, MDF, chipboard).
4. Workers of furniture factories and workshops.
5. Paper factory workers.
6. Workers in the electronics and semiconductor industries, clothing and textile industries, food additive factories.
7. Medical workers of the morgue and histological laboratories.
8. Funeral home workers with embalming services.

Maximum permissible concentrations and emissions of formaldehyde

For all harmful chemicals dissolved in air and input, maximum concentrations have been developed at which the impact of formaldehyde on human health is minimal or absent. So in Russia, the maximum concentration of formaldehyde in indoor air is no more than 0.010 mg/m3.

For example, if more than 0.5 mg/m3 of harmful poison is dissolved in the air, then a person may experience a sore throat and watery eyes. In river water and other bodies of water, the maximum dose of formaldehyde is 0.05 mg/l.

Thus, since the main source of formaldehyde emission into the air of residential premises is furniture, from modern cheap wood materials and bulk building materials, it has become important to study the emission (release) of formaldehyde from these products.

From the moment of manufacture, within six months there is an intensive release of poison, which significantly increases its concentration in the air, but for an indefinite period of time polymer resin, covering the product continues to release toxic substances. The process is especially aggravated if the room has a high percentage of humidity and is poorly ventilated.

Manufacturers are required to label finishing materials and particle boards in accordance with international requirements depending on their formaldehyde content.

1. E-(0) - this marking indicates safe use materials without the risk of formaldehyde release even at high temperatures.
2. E-(1) - indicates that the content of formaldehyde in the base substance reaches 11 mg for every 100 grams of weight
3. E-(2) – this sign is used to mark boards with a high content of more than 35 mg of formaldehyde for every 100 grams of product.

Symptoms of formaldehyde poisoning depend on the duration of exposure and the concentration of the substance. If a person regularly, every day, inhales a small amount of formaldehyde vapor, then he experiences chronic poisoning. The symptoms are not specific and sometimes cannot alert a person to the onset of the disease.

A complex disorder of almost all organs and systems can slowly and steadily manifest itself with the following symptoms:

• sleep disturbance (insomnia);
• depression;
• damage to the respiratory center (feeling of lack of air);
• irritability;
• sweating disorder;
• nausea and vomiting;
• temperature rise to subfebrile levels;
• cough;
• dermatitis;
• allergic reactions(hives);
• weakness;
• lethargy;
• decreased performance;
• apathy.

Acute poisoning occurs when concentrated solutions of formalin or methanol are ingested. These situations can arise both from accidental use and for the purpose of suicide. Also, inhaling air with high percentage formaldehyde leads to irreparable consequences.

Thus, the concentration of formaldehyde in the air above 37.5 mg/m3 leads to pulmonary edema, and when the concentration in the inhaled air is 127 mg/m3, death occurs.

The connection between formaldehyde and the occurrence of malignant neoplasms

Formaldehyde is officially recognized as a carcinogen.

Workers in the methanol and formaldehyde production industry, as well as persons involved in embalming corpses and furniture production, were studied regarding the carcinogenicity of formaldehyde and its solutions.

This category of people has an increased risk of cancer of the skin, upper respiratory tract (nasal cavity, maxillary sinuses), pharynx, mouth, stomach, colon, prostate, and lungs.

A special connection has been established with the production of formaldehyde and the risk of developing malignant lymphoproliferative diseases, such as Hodgkin's disease, multiple myeloma, and myeloid leukemia. However, it is worth noting that the exact mechanism of carcinogenesis in humans has not been studied. It is believed that gene mutations occur through oxidative stress against a background of toxic effects on cells.

This relationship between the risk of malignant neoplasms and increased concentrations of formaldehyde is only relevant for workers whose work experience exceeded 10 years.

If acute poisoning occurs with products containing formaldehyde, then first of all it is necessary to call emergency help and transport the patient to a hospital. In the event that immediate professional assistance cannot be provided in as soon as possible, then you need:

• Remove the remaining toxic substance from the stomach by performing a gastric lavage procedure clean water or induce vomiting.
• If a person is unconscious, he should be placed on his left side, to prevent vomit from entering the lungs, and a gastric tube should be inserted and a lavage procedure should be carried out through it (the gastric tube is inserted by a medical professional).
• To neutralize formaldehyde, a 3% solution of chloride (ammonia) or ammonium carbonate is administered through the mouth or probe for rinsing. This substance neutralizes formaldehyde and prevents it from entering the bloodstream.
• Give a solution of activated carbon to drink (1 gram per kilogram of the victim’s body weight, dissolve in 400 ml of water), after a while it is necessary to remove this solution from the stomach.
• Drink a solution consisting of equal parts of a 2% solution of ammonium salts with 15-20% urea.
• Bring the victim to Fresh air, ensure the flow of oxygen.
• If a solution of concentrated formaldehyde gets on the skin, eyes or mucous membranes, quickly rinse the affected area with clean running water at room temperature or a 5% solution ammonia(rinse eyes only with clean water).

Further treatment of formaldehyde poisoning should continue in an intensive care hospital. Depending on the severity of poisoning, the following measures are used:

• Hemodialysis or hemosorption (“artificial kidney” blood is passed through a special membrane, or through specialized activated carbon, which helps remove chemical compounds).
• Accelerated diuresis - administration through a catheter in a vein large quantity isotonic solution or glucose up to 2 liters and simultaneous administration of a highly effective diuretic.
• Symptomatic therapy consists of monitoring the functioning of the central nervous system and cardiac activity.
• Prevention of liver dysfunction (introduction of vitamins, hepatoprotectors).

If a person is exposed to low concentrations of chemical compounds in the workplace for a long time, then to prevent the occurrence of chronic poisoning, personal protective equipment is used, first of all:

1. Work protective clothing, latex and rubber gloves.
2. Respirators and masks.
3. Do not exceed contact time with harmful substance.
4. Have regular medical examinations.
5. To eat dairy products, especially milk.
6. Conduct courses of treatment with hepatoprotectors based on medicinal herbs(karsil, gepabene).
7. If possible, visit health resorts.

How to limit formaldehyde exposure in your home

Even if you do not work in production or in a morgue, the effect of formaldehyde in your home can also lead to negative consequences on the body.

How to protect yourself from exposure to formaldehyde?

To prevent and quickly remove formaldehyde vapor from residential premises, the following methods should be used:

1. Ventilate the room regularly and wet cleaning(especially in the first six months after purchasing new furniture).
2. In living quarters, plant indoor plants that absorb toxic substances from the air (fern, chamedorea, dracaena, ivy, ficus benjamina)
3. Maintenance optimal temperature and air humidity.
4. When cleaning, wear rubber gloves (reduce contact with the detergent).

Conclusion

IN modern world, the chemical industry serves many industries. Nowadays, a powerful poison can be found in a wide variety of products and objects, and the effect of formaldehyde on the human body leads to very sad consequences. This is why it is important to know how to protect yourself and your loved ones from exposure to toxic substances.

Petrozavodsk State University Faculty of Medicine

Specialty: general practitioner

Formaldehyde (C H 2 O) hazard class - 2

A colorless gas with a pungent odor that ignites when open flame, heavier than air, when interacting with air it forms explosive mixtures. Liquefaction temperature -19 °C, hardening –118° C. Well soluble in water, alcohols, moderately soluble in benzene and other organic solvents.

Formaldehyde applies in the production of phenol O- , menamino -, urea-formaldehyde resins, polyformaldehyde, synthetic rubber SKI, explosives, medicines, tanning, antiseptic, deodorant. Used in dyeing (to increase the strength of paints and fixation of dyes), bleaching and printing, in the paper industry (to increase the grease and water resistance of paper). Used in the textile industry (production of powder for refining, weighing and increasing the strength of artificial silk).

Formaldehyde is transported in railway and road tanks, containers and cylinders that are temporarily storedshem. Usually formaldehyde stored in horizontal cylindrical tanks (volume 10-250 m3) at a temperature environment under the pressure of its own vapors 6-18 kgf / cm 2. Maximum storage volumes 220 tons.

Maximum permissible concentration (MPC) formaldehyde in the air settlements 0.035 mg/m 3 , in the air of the working area it is 0.5 mg/m 3 , in the water of reservoirs 0.05 mg/l, in the soil 7 mg/kg. It has an irritating effect on the mucous membranes of the eyes and respiratory tract, on the skin, and depresses the nervous system. The first signs of damage: lacrimation, pain in the eyes, runny nose, cough, shortness of breath, suffocation, headache, impaired coordination of movements, convulsions. When inhaling high concentrations, acute conjunctivitis, rhinitis, bronchitis, and swelling in the lungs and pharynx develop. Death can occur at a concentration of 20 mg/m 3 within 30 minutes. The average threshold toxodose is 0.6 mg∙min/l.

When eliminating accidents associated with the release (leakage) of formaldehyde, isolate the hazardous area within a radius of at least 400 m, remove people from it, stay to the windward side, avoid low places, follow the measures fire safety, no smoking. Enter the danger zone wearing insulating gas masks or breathing apparatus(IP-4M, KIP-8, AIR-98MI, ​​PVA-24M) and skin protection products (suits L-1, KIKH-4, KIKH-5). At a distance of more than 400 m from the source of chemical contamination, skin protective equipment may not be used, and large-sized filtering industrial gas masks with a brand A box are used to protect the respiratory system; for low concentrations, respirators are used RU-60M with a box of brand A.

Means of protection		Protective timeaction (hour) at concentration (mg/m 3)
Name	Box brand				1000
Industrial gas maskslarge size	A s/ f
Respirator RU-60M

Presence of formaldehyde define:

- mini-express laboratory MEL with a measurement range of up to 100 mg/m3;

- laboratory for comprehensive environmental monitoring of environmental objects “Pchelka-R” with an indicator tube for formaldehyde;

- chemical gas detector for industrial emissions GKhPV-2 with an indicator tube for formaldehyde with a measurement range of 5-800 mg/m 3 ;

- individual gas analyzer IGS-98 for formaldehyde.

Neutralizes formaldehyde big amount water. When diluted to safe concentrations, 1 ton of liquid phase formaldehyde yes 3 tons of water are used.

Sprayed water is used to precipitate gases. To spray water or solutions, auto-filling stations (ARS-14, ARS-15), motor pumps (MP-800), as well as hydrants and special systems available at chemically hazardous facilities are used.

When formaldehyde is spilled in the liquid phase, the spill site is washed with a large amount of water, isolated with sand, air-mechanical foam, diked and prevented from entering the substances. surface water.For disposal of contaminated soil at the spill sitecut off surface layer soil to the depth of contamination,collected and transported for disposal using earth-moving machines(bulldozers, scrapers, motor graders, dump trucks). Places of cuts are coveredwith a fresh layer of soil, washed with water for control purposes.

Leader actions: remove people from it, stay to the windward side, avoid low places, observe fire safety measures, observe fire safety measures, do not smoke, enter the chemical contamination area only in full protective clothing.

Providing first aid:

In the contaminated area: putting a gas mask on the victim, removing the victim from the danger zone.

After evacuation from the contaminated area : ammonia, washing the affected areas of the skin with water or a 5% solution of ammonia, rinsing the eyes with water, warmth, rest.

Formaldehyde Forms clear, colorless solutions with a pungent odor; trioxane and paraformaldehyde are white crystalline masses. Miscible with water and alcohols. A by-product of many industrial reactions. Impurities - methanol, formic acid, water, various polymers.

As a food additive, formaldehyde is always used in the form of hexamethylenetetramine, but it can be found in many cleaning products and disinfectants, as well as smoke smoke, and can be carried into the food product.

In the Russian Federation, formaldehyde is allowed as an antimicrobial substance and defoamer in the processing of sugar beets and in the production of yeast, the maximum residual amount is 0.05 mg/kg.

Another source of formaldehyde is MDF panels, paints and varnishes etc.

Most of the wooden furniture sold is made from wood materials using urea formaldehyde resins. They are especially noticeable where fiberboard and chipboard are used.

Furniture made from plywood and solid wood, or entirely solid wood, can also be a significant source of formaldehyde. IN in this case it becomes oxidizing finishing (paint and varnish, etc.) materials containing urea formaldehydes, especially during the first six months after use.

Harm

Harm from formaldehyde

When exposed to formaldehyde, a person experiences inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes and respiratory organs, and skin allergies are possible.

Several studies have indicated that menstrual irregularities may be related to exposure to formaldehyde at work or at home.

Formaldehyde emission

Although formaldehyde is used in a variety of consumer products, it only takes a small amount of free formaldehyde released to significantly pollute indoor air. Kitchen or bathroom furniture alone can potentially raise formaldehyde levels in a living space to 0.10 ppm or higher, especially when they are new.

Almost all furniture sets made of wood, including solid wood, can emit significant amounts of free formaldehyde in the living areas of houses. Typical materials used in the manufacture of furniture, in the production of which formaldehyde resins are used, are chipboard, MDF (fiberboard) and plywood. MDF is the most powerful source formaldehyde found in residential areas. It is often used in furniture as a base material covered with plywood. For wood products, these resins are used as internal adhesives.

Formaldehyde is released most intensely in a warm room with high air humidity. The process of releasing poison is aggravated by poor air ventilation.

The release of most of the unreacted formaldehyde usually occurs, depending on the product, within approximately 6 months. Once most of the volatile formaldehyde has been released, indoor levels may be only a fraction of what they were when the products were new. Typically a reduction of 50 percent or more.

Although a significant reduction is expected, the problem of formaldehyde emissions does not disappear, which means harm from formaldehyde it will still remain. Significant continuous release of formaldehyde may occur as the polymer resin undergoes hydrolytic degradation. Because of this, the emission of free formaldehyde from products containing formaldehyde resins may continue for an indefinite period. Therefore, in proportion to the increase in the amount of time for which it will be allocated formaldehyde, its harm for human health.

Formaldehyde in the air

Indoor levels of formaldehyde emissions depend not only on the power and quantity of formaldehyde sources, but also on the environmental conditions outside and inside. Particularly important among them are internal temperature and relative humidity.

Typically, in the range of 18-30 degrees Celsius, every 5 degrees increase in temperature approximately doubles the formaldehyde content in the air. Accordingly, a decrease of 5 degrees will cause a 50% decrease in level.

A less significant, but still important effect is humidity. As relative humidity increases from 30 to 70%, an approximately 40% increase in formaldehyde levels can be expected.

Low relative humidity during winter period in many homes in the north - one of the main reasons for the significantly lower levels of formaldehyde recorded in living spaces in winter.

Formaldehyde concentration

Formaldehyde concentrations may decrease rapidly over time. The reduction time or decay rate will depend on the characteristics starting materials, on their number relative to the air volume of the building and on environmental factors: ventilation, temperature and relative humidity.

The more powerful the source and the longer it is operated, the slower the concentration of formaldehyde will decrease over time. The higher the temperature, relative humidity and ventilation rate, the more formaldehyde concentrations will decrease over time. The initial rapid decline is followed by a prolonged and much slower decline. The release of formaldehyde from raw materials will never stop completely.

Benefit

Ventilation and low humidity naturally reduce the formaldehyde content in indoor air.

Currently, in European countries, the level of formaldehyde emission when finishing furniture products should not exceed 0.12 mg/m3 of air (E1). Due to possible allergenic effects, all products containing formaldehyde must have this information on the label.