Abstract

SOZA PINEDA, Norma Irene et al. FORMALDEHÍDO EN VIVIENDAS URBANAS EN SALVADOR, BAHÍA - BRASIL. Rev. Int. Contam. Ambient [online]. 2017, vol.33, n.2, pp.183-197. ISSN 0188-4999.  https://doi.org/10.20937/rica.2017.33.02.01.

Formaldehyde is a common contaminant in indoor environments. The objective of the present study was to identify formaldehyde concentrations in urban households and to investigate a possible association between the formaldehyde concentration and potential indoor sources. This is a cross-sectional study nested within SCAALA, a large longitudinal study conducted to investigate factors associated with asthma and allergy in schoolchildren in Salvador. The homes of 1168 children from 4 to 13 years old were visited between February 2007 and July 2008 to collect data on the household characteristics. Fluorometric determination of gaseous formaldehyde was conducted using the Fluoral-P reagent. Logistic regression with calculation of odds ratios and their respective 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI), was used to evaluate ventilation, sources of formaldehyde, and exposure to cigarette smoke according to formaldehyde concentrations. Formaldehyde concentrations were low (a mean of 0.80 μ/m3). A higher number of potential sources of formaldehyde emission (OR: 1.30; 95 % CI: 1.03 - 1.65) and better ventilation (OR: 1.35; 95 % CI: 1.07 - 1.70) were factors associated with higher concentrations. Formaldehyde concentrations were lower in homes where there were smokers, (OR: 0.69; 95 % CI: 0.52 - 0.90). Indoor formaldehyde concentrations in the homes evaluated in Salvador were below the maximum allowable concentrations determined nationally and internationally. The characteristics of the homes played a role in formaldehyde levels. The environmental sampling method used to determine formaldehyde concentrations was sufficiently accurate.

Keywords : aldehydes; indoor air contamination; exposure to environmental risks.

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