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Indoor and Built Environment, Vol. 14, No. 2, 165-172 (2005)
DOI: 10.1177/1420326X05052564

Exposure Assessment for Formaldehyde and Acetaldehyde in the Workplace

Rivelino M. Cavalcante

Laboratory of Analysis Trace-LAT, Analytic Chemistry and Physical-Chemical Department, Federal University of Ceará, Organic and Inorganic Chemistry Department, Federal University of Ceará

Bianca H. Seyffert

Laboratory of Organic Electrochemistry, Chemistry Department, Rio Grande University

Marcelo G. Montes D’Oca

Laboratory of Organic Electrochemistry, Chemistry Department, Rio Grande University

Ronaldo F. Nascimento

Laboratory of Analysis Trace-LAT, Analytic Chemistry and Physical-Chemical Department, Federal University of Ceará

Clayton S. Campelo

Laboratory of Analysis Trace-LAT, Analytic Chemistry and Physical-Chemical Department, Federal University of Ceará

Isis S. Pinto

Laboratory of Organic Electrochemistry, Chemistry Department, Rio Grande University

Frederico B. Anjos

Laboratory of Organic Electrochemistry, Chemistry Department, Rio Grande University

Ana H. R. Costa

Laboratory of Remediation of Underground Waters, Engineer Environmental Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina

Personal exposure and possible cancer risk to formaldehyde and acetaldehyde were appraised in 8 work places at a university in Brazil. Levels of formaldehyde measured ranged from 22.5 to 161.5 µg·m–3 and from 18.3 to 91.2 µg·m–3 for acetalde-hyde. The personal exposure, expressed as the potential dose in indoor air, was calculated to range from 129.8 to 930.4 µg·day–1 (low exposure) and 183.9 to 1318.1 µg·day–1 (medium exposure) for formaldehyde and 105.5 to 525.3 µg·day–1 (low exposure) and 149.5 to 744.2 µg·day–1 (medium exposure) for acetaldehyde. The indoor/outdoor ratio showed the existence of indoor sources of the compounds which were mainly in practical classes and research laboratories. The highest formaldehyde and acetaldehyde levels were found where chemical reagents were manipulated. Relating the levels found to the permissible limit given by the US OSHA showed there was no particular risk although some formaldehyde levels did exceed the lower exposure limit of the US agency NIOSH. Any cancer risk would be highest for female technicians and teaching researchers.

Key Words: Aldehyde • Formaldehyde • Acetaldehyde • Risk assessment • Occupational health • Indoor environment


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