"Formaldehyde Is A Human Carcinogen, National Research Council Says"

"Formaldehyde is a human carcinogen, the National Research Council (NRC) says in a report released today. It upholds a federal classification of the chemical that industry has vigorously disputed.

The National Toxicology Program (NTP) labeled formaldehyde as 'known to be a human carcinogen' in its 2011 'Report on Carcinogens.' In response to industry criticism of the listing, Congress asked for NRC to scrutinize NTP’s assessment.

NRC reviewed NTP’s work and conducted its own independent assessment of formaldehyde studies. Sufficient scientific evidence exists to support an association between formaldehyde and cancer in people, the NRC report concludes.

This listing does not necessarily mean people’s health is at risk from any particular use of formaldehyde. The 'Report on Carcinogens' is a hazard assessment and does not factor in data on exposure."

Cheryl Hogue reports for Chemical & Engineering News August 8, 2014.