The newly renovated house contains a certain concentration of formaldehyde, which can lead to symptoms of poisoning if humans inhale too much. So, what are the symptoms and treatments of formaldehyde poisoning?
Mild Poisoning Symptoms
When a patient inhales a small amount of low concentration formaldehyde, mild poisoning symptoms may occur. These include irritation of the eyes and upper respiratory mucosa, with signs of conjunctival congestion and edema, coarse breath sounds in both lungs, and scattered dry or wet rales. Chest X-ray examination may show increased and thickened lung markings. The symptoms are similar to those of acute bronchitis.
Moderate Poisoning Symptoms
If a person who has experienced mild poisoning does not receive timely treatment or continues to be exposed to formaldehyde, moderate poisoning symptoms may occur. The main manifestations include chest tightness, frequent coughing, sputum production, and difficulty in breathing. Some patients may also experience grade III laryngeal edema.
Severe Poisoning Symptoms
When exposed to a high concentration or large amount of formaldehyde, severe poisoning symptoms may occur, including grade IV laryngeal edema and asphyxia, pulmonary edema, coma, and shock.
Formaldehyde Poisoning Symptoms in Pregnant Women
Formaldehyde poisoning may cause stuffiness, nausea, and dizziness, often accompanied by frequent colds. These symptoms can be similar to some pregnancy symptoms, so many pregnant women may not intentionally differentiate between the reactions caused by formaldehyde poisoning and pregnancy. Studies have shown that long-term exposure to low concentrations of aromatic hydrocarbon organic solvents in formaldehyde can affect the birth weight of newborns, leading to low birth weight and significantly shortened gestational periods. In severe cases, it can even cause birth defects and miscarriages.
Formaldehyde Poisoning Symptoms in Children (Infants)
1. First, sneezing, followed by a runny nose. Occasionally, they rub their eyes with their hands and appear lethargic with poor physical strength.
2. Sudden and severe coughing, dry cough, difficulty in speaking for a long time, abnormal cough sounds, and obvious hoarseness.
3. Mild fever symptoms.
Treatment for Poisoning
1. For mild poisoning, the patient should quickly leave the scene, lie down, keep warm, and if necessary, receive oxygen. Those who experience upper respiratory tract irritation should be observed for at least 48 hours, avoiding activities that worsen the condition. The patient should be thoroughly washed with plenty of water and cleaned with soap or a 2% sodium bicarbonate solution. If accidentally entering the eyes, rinse with plenty of water.
2. For moderate poisoning, the patient should inhale a 0.1% weak ammonia solution. To quickly remove throat edema and pulmonary edema caused by poisoning, the patient may be advised to use an adequate amount of corticosteroids under the guidance of a doctor.
3. If the poisoning is severe and respiratory distress occurs, the patient should be immediately sent to the hospital for organ incision treatment.
Symptoms of Formaldehyde at Different Concentrations
1. When the concentration of formaldehyde in the air reaches 30mg/m3 per cubic meter, direct poisoning and death may occur.
2. When the concentration of formaldehyde in the air reaches 0.6mg/m3 per cubic meter, individuals may experience significant discomfort and pain in the throat. When the concentration exceeds this value, symptoms become more pronounced, including chest tightness, nausea, coughing, and vomiting. In severe cases, asthma and pulmonary edema may occur.
3. When the concentration of formaldehyde in the air reaches 0.5mg/m3 per cubic meter, there is obvious eye irritation and tearing.
4. When the concentration of formaldehyde in the air reaches 0.1mg/m3 per cubic meter, there is a distinct odor in the air, and individuals may experience discomfort upon entering.
5. When the concentration of formaldehyde in the air reaches 0.06-0.07mg/m3 per cubic meter, children may experience mild asthma.
