Level and extent of occupational exposure to formaldehyde in the Italian industrial sectors

Abstract

Introduction In 2016 formaldehyde was definitely classified in Italy as a human carcinogen, following the European Union classification. The institution, in Italy, of a register of exposed workers to carcinogens in the workplace is mandatory by law. The aim of this study is to summarize data about occupational exposure to formaldehyde in the Italian industry using the information stored in the national occupational exposure database (SIREP) [1]. Methods Data were collected from exposure registries compulsorily notified by firms to the National Workers’ Compensation Authority (INAIL) and refer to 1996-2014 period. Each exposure measurement was characterized by economic activity sector and workforce size of firms; by personal data and occupational features of workers; by year of measurement and level of exposure. A descriptive statistical analysis was carried out on the retrieved information. Results Over 1,600 measurements of formaldehyde airborne concentrations in workplaces were selected from the database of registries in the period 1996-2014. Most exposures occurred in the manufacturing of chemicals and chemicals products (33% of measurements), while the largest part of documentation on exposure levels (40%) came from firms placed in regions of North-West of Italy. Conclusions Starting from the analysis of data registered in the Italian database of occupational exposures to carcinogens, this study outlines the current mean levels of formaldehyde exposure in the workplace, discussing the possible implications for public health policies and surveillance programs.