France Proposes New Cancer Classification for Formaldehyde Exposure

The French government has submitted a proposal to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) requesting the classification of formaldehyde be upgraded to a category one carcinogen.

According to ECHA, the dossier concerning formaldehyde is currently being processed. If it clears the accordance check and is accepted by the Member State Committee (MSC) for consideration, a public consultation could start by the end of the year or early 2011 – although the process can take longer, the agency notes (WCxKit)

At present at EU level the substance is classed as a category 3 carcinogen under the old dangerous substances Directive (DSD), which is being progressively replaced by CLP. A category 1 or 2 classification under the DSD or a 1A or 1B classification under CLP would have significant implications for use of formaldehyde, which has a wide range of applications.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified formaldehyde as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1). Formaldehyde is used mainly in the production of resins that are used as adhesives and binders for wood products, paper pulp, paper, glasswool and rockwool. It is also used extensively in the production of plastics and coatings, textile finishing and the manufacture of industrial chemicals. It is used as a disinfectant and preservative in many applications.

In July 2009, the European Federation of Building and Wood Workers (EFBWW) and the European Furniture Manufacturers Federation (EFMF) adopted a statement in which they requested the EU to legislate on formaldehyde. (WCxKit)

France’s National Research and Safety Institute (INRS) estimates that more than a million European workers are exposed to formaldehyde to some degree or other.

Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. Contact: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-553-6604.

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