A Case of Claimed Persistent Neuropsychological Sequelae of Chronic Formaldehyde Exposure: Clinical, Psychometric, and Functional Findings

Many anecdotal cases and some clinical studies have demonstrated that formaldehyde exposure can cause multiple health-related problems and cerebral dysfunction. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has documented multiple hazards related to formaldehyde exposure. Some of this research has suggested that low levels of exposure can be very hazardous to oneʹs health and can potentially result in heightened chemical sensitivities, seizures, and cognitive decline. Some research suggests that exposure results in long-term immunological changes, cell neurofilament protein changes, and demyelination. Symptomatically, exposure has been associated with respiratory problems, excessive fatigue, headaches, mood changes, and impaired attention, concentration, and memory functioning. This article outlines the case of a biology teacher whose chronic formaldehyde exposure resulted in heightened sensitivity to formaldehyde, three tonic-clonic seizures, and dramatic amnesia as well as other cognitive dysfunction.