2022-02-11 13:24:51
What is formaldehyde?
Table of Contents
Formaldehyde is a chemical substance that occurs at room temperature as a colorless, flammable gas. It is often sold in liquid form, commonly called formalin.
How are we exposed to formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is present in multiple sectors of professional activity and in many consumer products.
It is used as a disinfectant biocide, as a fixative and as a preservative. It can be found in DIY and cleaning products, in wall, floor or furniture coverings, in plastics, etc.
For the general population, sources of formaldehyde in indoor air in homes There are many sources including equipment, decoration and household products that emit formaldehyde. Formaldehyde can also be emitted as a result of combustion phenomena: tobacco smoke, candles, incense sticks, open fireplaces, combustion appliances such as gas stoves, oil stoves.
According to the rResults of the 2017 SUMER survey (PDF), more than 185,000 workers were exposed to formaldehyde (not including exposures via formaldehyde-based resins and glues). The highest exposures are in the health care and pathological anatomy and cytology laboratories (anatomopathologists), and funeral directors (thanatopractors), agriculture, the chemical industry, the food industry, as well as the paper and cardboard, wood, furniture and construction industries.
What are the health effects?
For acute and chronic exposures, the critical effects of formaldehyde in humans are eye and respiratory tract irritations. Formaldehyde is also the cause nasopharyngeal cancers by air in humans, which have been observed in epidemiological studies conducted among workers exposed to high concentrations of formaldehyde.
How is formaldehyde regulated?
Formaldehyde in dates
2004 – The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies formaldehyde as a “ substance known to be carcinogenic to humans » (group 1) for nasopharyngeal cancers by inhalation.
2006 – In France, the Ministry of Labor added, through a decree in July 2006, “work involving exposure to formaldehyde” to the list of carcinogenic substances, preparations and processes, within the meaning of the Labor Code. Effective since January 1, 2007, this decree implies, as a priority, the implementation of a process of formaldehyde substitution.
2009 – Nasopharyngeal cancer is recognized as an occupational disease (table 43a relating to cancerous conditions caused by formaldehyde), subject to 5 years of exposure linked to certain work (preparation of formaldehyde, use in thanatopraxy and in pathological anatomy and cytology laboratories, manufacture and use of formaldehyde-based resins, parquet varnishing, fire extinguishing work, etc.).
2014 – At European level, formaldehyde is classified as carcinogenic category 1B and mutagenic category 2 (Commission Regulation (EU) No 605/2014 of 5 June 2014) following the classification proposal from Anses.
2019 – Adoption of a occupational exposure limit value binding at European level (directive 2019/983/EC), value transposed at French level by decree no. 2020-1546 of December 9, 2020.
2020 – Following the evaluation carried out by the German authorities, formaldehyde is approved as a substance active biocide for product types 2 and 3, for a reduced period of 3 years. Marketers of formaldehyde-based disinfectant biocidal products must submit an MA application file before February 1, 2022, including in particular an argument justifying the absence of exposure of humans and the environment or the essentiality of this product.
What work has Anses done on the risks associated with the use of formaldehyde?
For more than ten years, ANSES has been conducting various expert assessments to assess the toxicity of formaldehyde, characterize and limit population exposure, particularly in the workplace, and assess health risks.
Assessing risks to populations
Following the classification of formaldehyde by the IARC in June 2004, the Agency was asked to assess the health risks associated with the presence of formaldehyde in indoor, outdoor (PDF) and occupational (PDF) environments. In 2008, the Agency published two expert reports whose main conclusions were:
it is difficult to prioritize the sources of formaldehyde in indoor environments and to assess their respective contribution to the exposure of the general population; for the general population, the risk of cancer can be excluded for both adults and children; for professionals, the risk of nasopharyngeal cancers cannot be ruled out in a certain number of sectors with high repeated exposure; it is recommended to limit the presence of formaldehyde in products intended for the general public with, for example, labeling providing information on formaldehyde emissions.
Reducing formaldehyde emissions at source
In 2006 and 2009, ANSES proposed a protocol to identify and promote to consumers building materials and decoration products considered to be “low emissive”. This work was useful in developing French regulations on the labeling of these materials.
In 2014, ANSES worked on priority substances with a view to supporting public authorities in the future implementation of the labelling of furniture products (PDF) relating to volatile pollutants. Formaldehyde was identified as a priority for these labels.
Regulating the use of formaldehyde
In 2011, ANSES developed and submitted, on behalf of the French authorities, a proposal to revise the classification of formaldehyde with a view to a stricter classification at European level. On the basis of this proposal, formaldehyde was classified as a category 1B carcinogen and a category 2 mutagen.
In 2013, ANSES jointly took charge of the assessment of formaldehyde under the REACh regulation with RIVM. At the end of this analysis carried out by ANSES on occupational risks (PDF), ANSES concluded that there were risks to the health of workers in different sectors of activity and that a risk reduction strategy was needed.
In 2017, ANSES examined the different options for regulatory supervision of formaldehyde (PDF) to control the risks for professionals and recommended the establishment of a binding occupational exposure limit value at European level.
Establishing health reference values
Based on toxicity data, the Agency develops health reference values for the general population and workers. These reference values are based on health criteria and aim to protect these populations from any adverse effects related to exposure to a chemical substance.
In 2017, in light of new published data, it updated the reference values for formaldehyde, the first of which dated back to 2007:
of the toxicological reference values (VTR) acute and chronic by respiratory tract of 123 µg.m-3. VTRs are toxicological indicators that qualify or quantify a risk to human health linked to exposure to a chemical substance. They are used by companies and design offices to demonstrate risk control and by public authorities to formulate risk management recommendations; a VTRindoor air quality guide value (VGAI) of 100 µg.m-3 in line with the guide value for indoor air proposed by the WHO in 2010. The VGAI recommended by Anses correspond to concentrations in the air of a chemical substance, below which no health effects or nuisances are expected for the general population; occupational exposure limit values (VLEP) of 350 µg.m-3 for the VLEP-8h and 700 µg.m-3 for the VLCT-15 min in line with the values set in the European directive of 2019. The VLEP recommended by ANSES correspond in principle to concentrations in the air of a chemical substance that workers can breathe for a given time, without causing harmful effects on their health. The levels are determined by considering that the exposed population is homogeneous, not including children or the elderly.
Reducing risks in the workplace
In addition to the recommendation of occupational exposure limit values for formaldehyde, which once introduced at the regulatory level will limit exposure levels in the workplace, ANSES was asked in 2014 by the public authorities to provide them with information on possible substitution of formaldehyde in 5 sectors of activity, namely:
To carry out this work, the Agency has developed a general method for comparing alternatives (PDF) to a chemical substance.
Expertise in occupational diseases
Anses is currently conducting expert work on the links between occupational exposures to Formaldehyde and Leukemiain particular myeloid leukemia. This work will provide scientific elements for reflection on the possible evolution of existing occupational disease tables or the creation of a new table.
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– What are the primary sources of formaldehyde exposure in everyday life?
The Dangers of Formaldehyde: Understanding Exposure, Health Effects, and Regulations
Formaldehyde is a ubiquitous chemical substance found in various products and industries, posing health risks to both professionals and the general public. This article delves into the world of formaldehyde, exploring its sources, health effects, and regulations, as well as the work done by the French National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES) to mitigate its risks.
What is Formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is a colorless, flammable gas at room temperature, often sold in liquid form, commonly known as formalin. It is used as a disinfectant biocide, fixative, and preservative in various industries, including DIY and cleaning products, wall and floor coverings, plastics, and more.
How are we Exposed to Formaldehyde?
Formaldehyde is present in many sectors of professional activity and consumer products, making exposure a common occurrence. Sources of formaldehyde in indoor air in homes include equipment, decoration, and household products that emit the gas. Combustion phenomena, such as tobacco smoke, candles, incense sticks, and open fireplaces, can also release formaldehyde.
According to the Results of the 2017 SUMER survey, more than 185,000 workers are exposed to formaldehyde, particularly in the healthcare, agricultural, chemical, food, paper, and construction industries.
What are the Health Effects of Formaldehyde?
Acute and chronic exposure to formaldehyde can cause eye and respiratory tract irritations. Moreover, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a “substance known to be carcinogenic to humans” (group 1) for nasopharyngeal cancers via inhalation.
How is Formaldehyde Regulated?
Formaldehyde has been regulated in various ways over the years:
2004: The IARC classified formaldehyde as a “substance known to be carcinogenic to humans” (group 1) for nasopharyngeal cancers by inhalation.
2006: France’s Ministry of Labor added ”work involving exposure to formaldehyde” to the list of carcinogenic substances, preparations, and processes, requiring the implementation of a formaldehyde substitution process.
2009: Nasopharyngeal cancer was recognized as an occupational disease, subject to 5 years of exposure linked to certain work.
2014: The European Union classified formaldehyde as carcinogenic category 1B and mutagenic category 2.
2019: The European Union adopted a binding occupational exposure limit value, which was transposed into French law in 2020.
2020: Formaldehyde was approved as a substance active biocide for product types 2 and 3, for a reduced period of 3 years, with marketers required to submit an application file before February 1, 2022.
What work has ANSES done on the risks associated with the use of formaldehyde?
ANSES has conducted various expert assessments over the past decade to assess the toxicity of formaldehyde. The agency’s work has contributed to a better understanding of the risks associated with formaldehyde exposure and has informed regulatory decisions to mitigate these risks.
formaldehyde is a ubiquitous chemical substance with significant health risks, particularly for professionals and individuals exposed to high concentrations. Understanding the sources of exposure, health effects, and regulations is crucial for reducing the risks associated with formaldehyde. ANSES’ work has been instrumental in shaping the regulatory landscape and promoting a safer use of formaldehyde.