A Review of Human Carcinogens — P…Related Occupations

🔬 Peer-reviewed

A Review of Human Carcinogens — Part F: Chemical Agents and Related Occupations

Baan R, Grosse Y, Straif K, Secretan B, El Ghissassi F, et al.

The Lancet Oncology · 2009

Findings

IARC classified formaldehyde as Group 1 (carcinogenic to humans), confirming sufficient evidence for nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia

Design

Review

Evidence

Strong

Journal

The Lancet Oncology

Ingredients studied

Formaldehyde →

Methodology

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reviewed the full body of evidence on formaldehyde and confirmed its classification as a Group 1 human carcinogen. Sufficient evidence was found for nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia in occupationally exposed workers. Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, quaternium-15) are used in cosmetics including shampoos, body washes, and nail hardeners. This classification is a primary driver of the clean beauty movement's ban on formaldehyde donors.

Funded By

World Health Organization / IARC

🧂Conflict of interest.