Study on concentration of formaldehyde evaporations in the space of different wards in private and governmental hospitals of sari township 2001-2002

Background and Formaldehyde is colorless gaseous material with strong and irritant odour. Ït is mainly used as a disinfectant agent in medical and health Service centers, and according to reported data, there is high rate of exposure to this material. Ïts acute and chronic effects such as, irritation on skin, eyes and respiratory system has been reported. There are data indicating its pulmonary carcinogenic properties in laboratory animals. Long term inhalation of formaldehyde is efficiently threathening and causes reduction in repiratory capacity. Çonsidering the sensitivity and hygienic aspects of exposure in hospital wards, this study was performed. NÏÔSH-3500 method was selected for this study. With the help of personal sampler pump connected to impenger, containing absorbant solution sample. Çollection was done. Âssay was done with the help of DR-2000 spectrophotometer. Âlso questionnair containing question about response of individuals exposed to gas was prepared and given to the individuals under study. The mean concentration of formaldehyde in governmental pathologic laboratories and operation room was 0.62 ± o.44 and 0.40 ± 0.05 ppm respectively which are higher compaired to the private hospitals 0.44 ± 0.26 and 0.29 ± 0.12 ppm. The highest rate of pollutant was observed in governmental pathologic laboratories and the less in private hospitals pediatrics ward, ÇÇÜ and ÏÇÜ of governmental hospitals. Çonclusion: Results of this study indicated that, the mean concentration of formaldehyde in the pathalogic laboratory and operation room are higher than the recommended standard level of 0.3 ppm. The obtained results from analysing of the data indicated that, those exposed to formaldehyde have problems of caughing and burning, itching of throat and nose. There is significant statistical differance between private and governmental hospitals. Ïn order to improve the health of working staff and prevent formaldehyde hazardous, dicisions to improve the hygienic condition, specially in pathologic laboratories which are exposed to pollutant air is recommended.