I don't recall if this came up in the recent discussion of paraformaldehyde and formaldehyde, but this item appeared in C&EN's January 4th edition:
The National Toxicology Program is seeking public comment on whether to list
formaldehyde as a =93known human carcinogen=94 in its next Report on Carcinogens, due
later this year. Currently, the report lists formaldehyde as =93reasonably anticipated
to be a human carcinogen.=94 An expert panel recommended the change after a three-day
meeting this past November. The panel identified occupational studies that show
a link between exposure to formaldehyde and cancer in humans, particularly nose
and throat cancer, as well as myeloid leukemia. Formaldehyde is used primarily in
the production of industrial resins such as urea, phenol, polyacetal, and melamine.
Such resins are found in adhesives and binders in wood products, pulp and paper,
plastics, and synthetic fibers. Formaldehyde is ubiquitous in the environment,
and a large number of U.S. residents are exposed to it. Although the Report on Car-
cinogens is not a regulatory document, EPA could develop regulations for substances
that are listed in it. EPA is currently evaluating the regulation of formaldehyde emis-
sions from pressed wood products. =97BEE
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