An independent, international panel of scientists reviewed and evaluated the relevant literature on occupational and environmental exposure to formaldehyde and subsequent epidemiology of cancer in exposed populations. Studies of topical sites (respiratory tract and skin) were considered separately from non-topical sites (other major organ systems) and individual assessments were made of evidence of site-specific cancer risk within the broader categories. In addition to the studies per se, the Panel also took into account critiques and reviews of the published reports. The Panel concluded that: 1) for no malignancy in man is there convincing evidence of a relationship with formaldehyde exposure and 2) furthermore, that if a relationship does exist, the excess risk, in absolute terms, must be small. An apparent lack of consistency among the studies in site-specific cancer risk and uncertainty resulting from unresolved confounding by known risk factors were identified by the Panel as significant obstacles to more definitive conclusions.
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