Formaldehyde exposure and asthma in children: a systematic review.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Despite multiple published studies regarding the association between formaldehyde exposure and childhood asthma, a consistent association has not been identified. Here we report the results of a systematic review of published literature in order to provide a more comprehensive picture of this relationship.

DATA SOURCES:

After a comprehensive literature search, we identified seven peer-reviewed studies providing quantitative results regarding the association between formaldehyde exposure and asthma in children. Studies were heterogeneous with respect to the definition of asthma (e.g., self-report, physician diagnosis). Most of the studies were cross-sectional.

DATA EXTRACTION:

For each study, an odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for asthma were either abstracted from published results or calculated based on the data provided. Characteristics regarding the study design and population were also abstracted.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

We used fixed- and random-effects models to calculate pooled ORs and 95% CIs; measures of heterogeneity were also calculated. A fixed-effects model produced an OR of 1.03 (95% CI, 1.021.04), and random effects model produced an OR of 1.17 (95% CI, 1.011.36), both reflecting an increase of 10 microg/m3 of formaldehyde. Both the Q and I2 statistics indicated a moderate amount of heterogeneity.

CONCLUSIONS:

Results indicate a significant positive association between formaldehyde exposure and childhood asthma. Given the largely cross-sectional nature of the studies underlying this meta-analysis, further well-designed prospective epidemiologic studies are needed.

• Authors: Gerald McGwin, Jeffrey Lienert, John I Kennedy
• Journal: Environmental health perspectives (Environ Health Perspect) Vol. 118 Issue 3 Pg. 313-7 (Mar 2010) ISSN: 1552-9924 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 20064771 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Review, Systematic Review)

Chemical References

• Air Pollutants
• Formaldehyde

Topics

• Air Pollutants (chemistry, toxicity)
• Asthma (chemically induced, epidemiology, etiology)
• Child
• Formaldehyde (toxicity)
• Humans
• Inhalation Exposure (adverse effects)
• Odds Ratio