Formalaldehyde Carcinogenicity: Consequences and Risk Management

This study emphasizes on carcinogenic results of formaldehyde production which is also released as a by-product of combustion, off-gassing of various building products, and as a fixative for pathologists and embalmers. As much importance is not given that formaldehyde is also produced as a normal physiologic chemical in all living cells. Firstly, carcinogenic effect of the formaldehyde was observed in rats in 1980 when it was inhaled in excess quantity. Some epidemiologic studies have also found increased numbers of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and leukaemia in humans exposed to formaldehyde that resulted in formaldehyde being considered a Known Human Carcinogen. This study reviews the data for human carcinogenicity, early Mode of Action of formaldehyde, recent molecular studies related to carcinogenicity. This would improve our understanding ability of risk assessment of formaldehyde and measures to control it. To deal with complexity of carcinogenicity, new ways of thinking be incorporated into determinations of cancer risk assessment for formaldehyde and further measures to control it.