Assessment of Formaldehyde and Volatile Organic Compounds in Furniture-Making Workshops in Lagos, South West Nigeria

Workers in furniture manufacturing establishments are chronically exposed to formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds emitted from adhesives, varnishes, and wood composites, creating significant occupational health risks that are poorly documented in Nigerian settings. This study assesses ambient formaldehyde and selected volatile organic compound concentrations in ten furniture-making workshops in the Mushin and Oshodi areas of Lagos State, South West Nigeria. Air samples are collected using passive sorbent tubes over an eight-hour workday and analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography for formaldehyde and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for volatile organic compounds including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene. Sampling is conducted during peak production periods and repeated on at least three occasions per site to capture exposure variability. Measured concentrations are compared against occupational exposure limits recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Worker questionnaires document respiratory symptoms, years of exposure, and awareness of protective equipment use. Results are expected to reveal formaldehyde concentrations above permissible limits in workshops with inadequate ventilation. Findings support the development of occupational health guidelines tailored to the artisanal manufacturing sector in urban South West Nigeria and underscore the need for improved regulatory enforcement in the informal economy. Keywords: formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds, furniture workshops, occupational exposure, Lagos