Occupational exposure to formaldehyde – What reality in Portugal?

Introduction – The widespread use of formaldehyde is mainly due to its high reactivity, lack of colour, purity in a commercial format, and also low cost. These characteristics put it among the 25 most abundant chemicals produced in the world. IARC, since 2006, classify formaldehyde in Group 1 (carcinogen) based on evidence that exposure to formaldehyde can cause nasopharyngeal cancer in humans. It was developed an exploratory study with the purpose of obtaining information about the occupational exposure reality to formaldehyde in Portugal. Methodology – Several formaldehyde concentrations measurements were performed in 7 industrial units and in an anatomy and pathology laboratory. Environmental measurements were performed using Photo Ionization Detection (PID) equipment. Results – The anatomy and pathology laboratory have the highest concentration value recorded and larger than reference limit (0.3 ppm). Also, in 2 of 7 industrial units studied were recorded maximum concentration values above 0,3 ppm. Conclusions – The anatomy and pathology laboratory was the occupational setting where formaldehyde occupational exposure was more critics. The methodology used for environmental monitoring seems appropriate to the study objectives and related to the chemical agent mode of action.