Review
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.
ReviewThe Lancet Oncology2009
Research Facts
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.
Review · Strong · 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
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.