Current Intelligence Bulletin 34: Formaldehyde: Evidence of Carcinogenicity

The purpose of this bulletin is to request assistance from producers and distributors of formaldehyde and of substances and materials containing formaldehyde in giving this information to their employees and customers, and that professional and trade associations and unions inform their members. NIOSH recommends that formaldehyde be handled as a potential occupational carcinogen and that appropriate controls be used to reduce worker exposure. These recommendations are based primarily on a Chemical Industry Institute of Toxicology study in which laboratory rats and mice exposed to formaldehyde vapor developed nasal cancer, and are supported by a New York University study where rats exposed to a mixture of formaldehyde and hydrochloric acid vapors developed nasal cancer. Formaldehyde has also been shown to be a mutagen in several short-term laboratory studies. In addition to the carcinogenic potential, other adverse health effects caused by formaldehyde are described.

Formaldehyde: Evidence of Carcinogenicity