Abstract
Formalin is a clear solution of 37% formaldehyde in water. It is used in dentistry as a disinfectant, antiseptic and mainly as tissue fixative for preserving biologic specimens for histopathologic examination. The human knowledge on systemic formaldehyde intoxication is inadequate as only few cases of formalin ingestion have been reported. This paper presents a brief communication of the adverse effect of formalin to the human tissue.
Highlights
Formaldehyde is a toxic colourless, water soluble foul smelling gas that extremely irritates the upper airways
The surfaces of the surgery were usually wiped with antiseptic containing formaldehyde, making it very difficult to locate the origin of formalin smell in the operating theatre
Metabolic acidosis happens in part because of high plasma levels of formic acid acidosis, the main metabolite of formaldehyde and in part as a result of hyperlactatemia (1)
Summary
Formaldehyde is a toxic colourless, water soluble foul smelling gas that extremely irritates the upper airways. Systemic formaldehyde intoxication has not been adequately characterised because of lack of number of reports on the effect of formalin ingestion. A case has been reported whereby formalin was used accidentally as irrigating solution during a wisdom tooth surgery instead of normal saline (8). The surfaces of the surgery were usually wiped with antiseptic containing formaldehyde, making it very difficult to locate the origin of formalin smell in the operating theatre.
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