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  • Press Release

NTP Research Study Finds Formaldehyde Does Not Cause Leukemia

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Tom Flanagin
CONTACT US

WASHINGTON (December 19, 2017) – A research report released by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) details a National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) study that found formaldehyde inhalation did not cause leukemia in genetically predisposed strains of mice. Due to the lack of transparency in the process, there is continuing concern over the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) failure to incorporate all the available science in the 2010 draft Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) assessment of formaldehyde and any revisions that have been underway since that time.

The hypothesis of the study was that mice bred with specific genetic traits making them extra sensitive to mutagenic carcinogens would have an increased risk of developing nasal carcinogenicity, leukemia or lymphohematopoietic cancer when exposed to formaldehyde. However, the study found that inhalation of a maximum tolerated dose of formaldehyde, a dose that was more than 100 times the occupational exposure limit, did not cause nasal tumors, an increased prevalence of leukemia or lymphohematopoietic cancer, or any other type of cancer.

These findings are part of a growing body of epidemiological, toxicological, and mechanistic data that supports the conclusion that formaldehyde exposure does not cause leukemia and calls into question EPA’s previously proposed cancer risk value. All ongoing and future assessments of formaldehyde should incorporate this important information into the full body of scientific evidence.

NTP’s report, Absence of Formaldehyde-Induced Neoplasia in Trp53 Haploinsufficient Mice Exposed by Inhalation, details the research. The federally-funded study results have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal.

American Chemistry Council

The American Chemistry Council’s mission is to advocate for the people, policy, and products of chemistry that make the United States the global leader in innovation and manufacturing. To achieve this, we: Champion science-based policy solutions across all levels of government; Drive continuous performance improvement to protect employees and communities through Responsible Care®; Foster the development of sustainability practices throughout ACC member companies; and Communicate authentically with communities about challenges and solutions for a safer, healthier and more sustainable way of life. Our vision is a world made better by chemistry, where people live happier, healthier, and more prosperous lives, safely and sustainably—for generations to come.