Can inhaling formaldehyde cause hoarseness?
Aug 28, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
In general, if only a small amount of formaldehyde is inhaled, it usually does not cause hoarseness. However, inhaling larger amounts of formaldehyde can irritate the respiratory mucosa and lead to hoarseness. After formaldehyde poisoning occurs, timely medical treatment with oxygen therapy is necessary. It's also important to maintain indoor cleanliness and ventilation; newly renovated rooms must be adequately ventilated and dried before use.
Generally, if only a small amount of formaldehyde is inhaled, it usually does not cause hoarseness. However, inhaling a large amount of formaldehyde can irritate the respiratory mucosa and lead to hoarseness. The detailed analysis is as follows:
1. No
Formaldehyde is a highly irritating toxic gas. Remaining for long periods in environments containing formaldehyde may cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. However, if only a small amount is inhaled, it typically does not directly affect the vocal cords or voice, so it will not result in hoarseness.
2. Yes
Formaldehyde is a highly irritating toxic gas. Inhaling excessive amounts can lead to severe formaldehyde poisoning, causing damage to the respiratory mucosa. This may manifest as acute pain and hoarseness, along with persistent coughing, chest pain, and even laryngeal edema, suffocation, or pulmonary edema. Long-term exposure to formaldehyde increases the risk of developing malignant conditions such as nasopharyngeal cancer, colon cancer, and leukemia, and may also impair memory and learning ability.
After formaldehyde poisoning occurs, immediate medical treatment including oxygen therapy is necessary. It's important to maintain indoor cleanliness and ventilation. Newly renovated homes must be adequately ventilated and left unoccupied for at least one month before moving in, to prevent formaldehyde poisoning.
