Blood Factors Changes due to Formaldehyde Exposure Study in Melamine Manufactures Workers

Millions of workers in the production or using of different chemicals such as melamine formaldehyde resin are exposed by formaldehyde. In spite of Widespread formaldehyde usage, there are too concerns about its toxicity effects. This study aimed to assess the workers occupational exposure to formaldehyde in some melamine production workshops and blood factors change in the exposed workers.
This cross-sectional study was performed on 66 workers in Tehran. 40 melamine manufactures workers as exposed group and 26 food industry workers as unexposed group was selected. Occupationally exposure to formaldehyde was assessed by NIOSH 3500 method. Hematological parameters including White Blood Cell, Red Blood Cell, Platelet Count, Lymphocytes Percent and Volume of Red Blood Cells was evaluated. Ethical considerations in this study were adhered based on the Helsinki guidelines.
occupationally median exposure to formaldehyde in melamine manufactures was evaluated 0.0896 ppm (0.03-0.2ppm), which is lower than the permitted ceiling limit (TLVc =0.3ppm) in Iran and more than the NIOSH threshold exposure limit (TWA= 0.016 ppm).The results show, in exposed group, workers with unmoral count of white and red blood cells are significantly higher than unexposed people.
Occupationally exposure to formaldehyde cause adverse effects on the hematopoietic system. Exposures to formaldehyde in the concentration lower than approved standard limit in Iran probably induce toxicity effect on the blood cells. Because of the few number of people surveyed in this study, broader studies suggested. In addition assessing blood cells, more specific tests are necessary to evaluate the toxicity effect of formaldehyde on the blood.