hyde to hexamethylphosphoramide are reviewed. Inhalation studies, chronic effects on rats and mice, and details of mechanisms of formaldehyde toxicity are reviewed in three papers indicating the level of our knowledge at this time.
In the Human Studies section, Dr. Maibach presents the effects of formaldehyde on animal and human skin in considerable detail. Dr. John Gamble reviews the effects of formaldehyde on the respiratory system considering physiological effects, sensitization, and cancer. Concern has always been high about the "gassing off' of formaldehyde from building materials, and Zenz and Woodbury review a Wisconsin study of mobile homes and their atmospheres. Occupational effects and proportional mortality studies in morticians, embalmers, and chemical workers are reviewed quite adequately in four large studies in this section. Four chapters are devoted to Risk Assessment, dealing with mathematical modeling of different levels of exposure to populations using such tests of biological activity as specific cellular responses.
For a substance which has been around for so long and to which literally millions of people have been and are exposed, it is surprising that human concerns have been delayed so long and that a relative paucity of information is available. Nonetheless, these authors have pulled together a sizable amount of information known at present. Among the shortcomings in coverage are the metabolic studies a t the molecular level and the anecdotal information which suggests psychological and behavioral changes in persons recovering from acute exposures or prolonged chronic lower-level exposures. The magnitude of the problem will undoubtedly propel continued and expanding research of formaldehyde intoxication.