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ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION BY FORMALDEHYDE IN RENAL DIALYSIS UNITS
Author(s) -
Jones P. G. W.,
Orr D. L. J.,
Powell E. G. P.
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.622
H-Index - 73
eISSN - 1365-2710
pISSN - 0269-4727
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2710.1980.tb00955.x
Subject(s) - formaldehyde , environmental science , pollution , contamination , environmental engineering , hazardous waste , air pollution , pollution prevention , waste management , environmental chemistry , water resource management , chemistry , engineering , ecology , organic chemistry , biology
An assessment of the environmental pollution from the use of formaldehyde solutions in dialysis units indicated that spillages from manual washout systems and fluids exposed during semi‐automated washouts were the greatest source of contamination. Inadequate air exchange also allowed accumulation of atmospheric formaldehyde to rise above the threshold limit values (TLV) ceiling of 2 ppm and to reach 25 ppm. Improvements in the air extraction systems, the introduction of closed drainage and staff guidance resulted in safe working conditions. Additionally a planned monitoring programme and an ongoing staff training scheme are recommended wherever formaldehyde is used in appreciable quantities.