การประเมินความเสี่ยงต่อสุขภาพจากการสัมผัสฟอร์มัลดีไฮด์ของคนงานในโรงงานผลิตไม้เอ็มดีเอฟ (MDF : Medium Density Fiberboard)

Abstract

This study investigates concentrations of formaldehyde in indoor air samples from a medium density fiberboard manufacturing plant in Thailand. Two air sampling methods were conducted, area (n=37) and personal sampling (n=36). A health risk assessment was also performed to evaluate the risks due to formaldehyde in the indoor air of the plant. Indoor air concentrations ranged from 5.26 to 57.26 ppm. Air formaldehyde levels from the area sampling method at all sampled locations exceeded the TLV-STEL (Threshold Limit Value-Short Term Exposure Limit) of 2 ppm recommended by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). Cancer and non-cancer risk assessment was evaluated by calculating the lifetime cancer risk and hazard quotient (HQ), respectively using formaldehyde concentrations from the personal sampling method. Cancer risk assessment formaldehyde in the summer and the rainy season suggested that the probability of cancer risk owing to formaldehyde was higher than the ATSDR's limit value around 4, 12 persons from group study 36 persons or Accounted for 11, 33 percent, respectively. Reassuringly, the probability of non-cancer risk due to formaldehyde in the summer and the rainy season ranged from 6.12-40.82 and 5.10-66.33, respectively, was higher than the U.S. EPA's reference.