Formaldehyde vaporization in the hatcher and the effect on tracheal epithelium of the chick.

Chicken embryos were exposed to formaldehyde vapors in the hatcher during the final 3 days of incubation. Measured formaldehyde levels approached 130 ppm. Tracheas collected at hatch and 5 days post-hatch were evaluated for functional and morphologic changes. Tracheal cilia motility was reduced in formaldehyde-exposed chicks. Scanning electron microscopy revealed blunted cilia and blebs occurring in the cilia surfaces. At 5 days of age, excessive tracheal mucus was present. Sloughing of the tracheal epithelium was visible by light microscopy.