The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) recently issued the following statement:
There is sufficient evidence in humans for a causal association of formaldehyde
with leukaemia.
Epidemiologists had suspected a link between formaldehyde exposure and leukemia. IARC carefully reviewed the exposure data and confirmed that formaldehyde can cause leukemia.
Many homes have formaldehyde at levels that cause respiratory ailments and headaches. Formaldehyde also causes asthma. The announcement from IARC brings even greater urgency to reducing formaldehyde exposure.
Ventilation is the best way to reduce formaldehyde concentration in a home. Minimizing manufactured wood products can also reduce formaldehyde exposure.
Testing is the only way to know for sure if a home has elevated formaldehyde. Numerous test kits are available on line, or an industrial hygienist can provide professional testing services.
Comments
The possible association between formaldehyde and induction of leukemia is still debatable. A new fining published on Toxi Sci journal provided new clue. The paper titled "Distribution of DNA Adducts Caused by Inhaled Formaldehyde is Consistent with Induction of Nasal Carcinoma but not Leukemia"
This study provides strong evidence supporting a genotoxic and cytotoxic mode of action for the carcinogenesis of inhaled formaldehyde in respiratory nasal epithelium, but does not support the biological plausibility that inhaled formaldehyde also causes leukemia.
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