2023-11-22 18:00:00
As the Health Safety Agency (ANSES) points out, this substance is classified as “carcinogenic by various European or international organizations, in particular in relation to nasopharyngeal cancer”. Furthermore, “a proven causal relationship between occupational exposure to formaldehyde and myeloid leukemia” has been established.
Which professions are exposed?
For its numerous properties, formaldehyde, also called “formalin”, is or has been used in many professional activities, for example in embalming for its preservative properties, in hospitals as a disinfectant, etc. Furthermore, in the wood industry , textiles or even rubber, certain products or resins are likely to release formaldehyde.
Thus, some workers may still be subject to high levels of exposure in sectors such as funeral services, the care sector, carpentry work, etc.
Raising awareness among patients…and doctors
Problem is, few requests for recognition of occupational disease have been made concerning myeloid leukemia. “Among the reasons put forward to explain this situation, studies show that hematologists have very uneven knowledge of professional risk factors and the functioning of the recognition system,” explains ANSES.
Other difficulties include tracing occupational exposure to formaldehyde. “This difficulty particularly concerns certain professions, such as cleaning workers. Their professional trajectories, often fragmented, make it difficult to identify and trace exposure to dangerous substances. »
ANSES therefore insists on the fact that “onco-hematologists and their teams, in conjunction with treating physicians and occupational physicians, have an important role to play in improving the identification of occupational exposure to formaldehyde and helping their patients in their recognition process. »
1700676255
#work #exposed #formalin
