Formaldehyde carcinogenic classification

The classification of acrylonitrile, beryllium and compounds, cadmium, formaldehyde, and creosote followed EPA s (1986) Guidelines for Carcinogen Risk Assessment. 

Smith et al. discussed the lARC classification of the tobacco smoke vapor-phase components formaldehyde and acetaldehyde as lARC Group 2A [Smith et al. (3713)] and Group 2B [Smith et al. (3714)] carcinogens, respectively. 

The EU classification defines the risk phrase Toxic by inhalation, in contact with skin and if swallowed. Causes bums. Limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect. May cause sensitisation by skin contact. [R 23l24l25-34-40-43] — Defined in Annex II of EU Directive 67/548/EEC as amended by EU Directive 200I/59/EC. Formaldehyde was included in the substance evaluation list in 2013. On February 29, 2012, ECHA (the European Chemicals Agency) published the Community Rolling Action Plan (CoRAP) in which formaldehyde was included. CoRAP is a list of chemical substances that need to be evaluated with the aim to define whether policy measures are required to ensure an adequate management of exposure (for instance for formaldehyde) by workers and consumers. 

Tumorigenicity The carcinogenicity of formaldehyde has been under evaluation since the 1970s. Following classification as a known human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in 2006, based on evidence of nasopharyngeal cancer, and in 2009 based on evidence for leukemia, the data have been reviewed and debated. 

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