Dose-Response Study of Formaldehyde on Nasal Mucosa Swelling. A Study on Residents with Nasal Distress at Home

Despite great effort, it has been difficult to demonstrate in an objective way any impact of sick building environment on affected individuals. The aim of this study was to learn whether or not it is possible with rhinostereometry to register changes in the nasal mucosa swelling at exposure to formaldehyde in concentrations 0–0.174 mg/m³. Seven persons, non-allergic, otherwise healthy, and with a history of nasal distress in their homes, participated in the study. Six healthy persons, without nose problems, were controls. Each person was exposed to formaldehyde in different concentrations during two hours in a climate chamber. Increased swelling was recorded al the two highest concentrations (0.073 and 0.174 mg/m³) in the symptomatic group. The control group did not show any mucosal swelling. It was possible to demonstrate an increased mucosal swelling that must be attributed to exposure to formaldehyde. This was possible at formaldehyde concentrations close to the (0.125 mg/m³) upper limit for indoor climate recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The study model can be considered useful for further investigations of the impact on the individual from other airborne irritants connected to sick building environments.