Iranian Journal of Public Health (Dec 1997)
STUDY OF FORMALDEHYDE CONCENTRATION LEVELS IN THE AIR OF WORK PLACES
Abstract
In this research, air sampling of workplaces was carried out by two methods (long - time and short - time). The mean formaldehyde concentration with long - time method in pathology labs, surgery and endoscopy sections were 0.96 0.25 and 0.13 ppm and with short - time method, 8 hours, was 3, 0.3 and 0.2 ppm. The mean formaldehyde concentration in pathology labs was above the standard values (TLV - Ceiling = 0.3 ppm). In the long - time and short - time air sampling, the time of sampling was significantly effective on the concentration levels (P<0.05). Work practices and administrative procedures are important parts of a control system. If one is asked to perform a task in a certain manner to limit exposure to formaldehyde, it is extremely important that these procedures should be followed.
