ORIGINAL PAPER
Health effects of low-dose formaldehyde exposure: a cross-sectional study in occupational settings
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1
Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
(Department of Occupational Medicine)
2
Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
(Department of Emergency Medicine)
3
Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
(Department of Family Medicine)
4
Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
(College of Medicine)
5
Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
(Master of Science Degree Program in Innovation for Smart Medicine)
Online publication date: 2025-06-13
Corresponding author
Yu-Chung Tsao
Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Department of Occupational Medicine. No.5, Fuxing Street, Guishan District, Taoyuan
City 333, Taiwan
HIGHLIGHTS
- Low-dose formaldehyde exposure linked to increased skin and irritation symptoms.
- High exposure group shows higher odds of allergic rhinitis and dermatitis.
- No significant differences in respiratory symptoms or pulmonary function were found.
- Suggests desensitization effect over time with longer tenure in exposed workers.
- Further research needed to establish causal links in occupational settings.
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ABSTRACT
Objectives: To evaluate the health effects of low-dose formaldehyde exposure in occupational settings, focusing on dermatological and respiratory symptoms and the influence of work tenure. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 414 workers undergoing annual
health check-ups at a medical center in Taiwan with 242 individuals categorized as exposed (high exposure [N = 57], low exposure [N = 185])
and 172 as controls. Formaldehyde exposure was assessed through environmental monitoring, with all exposure levels <10% of the permissible exposure
limits. Self-reported clinical symptoms, complete blood count (CBC) parameters, and pulmonary function were assessed. Logistic regression
analysis was performed to assess exposure-related health effects, adjusting for potential confounders. Tenure was analyzed as both a continuous
and categorical variable to assess its impact on health outcomes. Results: The exposure group reported significantly higher rates of irritationrelated
symptoms (9.5% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.009) and skin symptoms (1.7% vs. 0%, p < 0.001) compared to controls. After adjusting for confounders,
allergic rhinitis (OR = 16.78, 95% CI: 4.00–70.55, p < 0.001) and allergic dermatitis (OR = 18.83, 95% CI: 2.52–140.56, p = 0.004) remained significantly
associated with formaldehyde exposure. No significant differences were found in CBC parameters or pulmonary function between groups. Conclusions: Even at low exposure levels, formaldehyde was associated with an increased risk of allergic conditions and irritation-related symptoms.
While pulmonary function remained unchanged, the higher prevalence of allergic rhinitis and dermatitis suggests potential immune sensitization.
These findings emphasize the importance of workplace exposure monitoring and preventive measures. Future longitudinal studies incorporating
biomarkers are needed to clarify causal relationships and refine occupational health policies. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(3)