Work

Occurrence of formaldehyde exposures in work activities and its diffusion in the Italian industrial context following the notification requirements.

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to describe data on occupational exposure to formaldehyde in the context of Italian economic activities. METHODS: Measurement data of airborne concentrations (n=26,216) of formaldehyde in the period 1996-2024 were selected from the national register of occupational exposure to carcinogens (Sistema Informativo Registri di Esposizione Professionale, SIREP). Descriptive statistics were calculated for main exposure-related variables. The number of potentially exposed workers was estimated for the best-characterized sectors. RESULTS: The overall geometric mean was 0.028 mg/m3. Most of the exposure was found in the wood (n=4,912), chemical (n=4,090), and plastic industries (n=3,925). A different distribution of exposure was found according to gender, as women exposures were more common in the healthcare sector. The estimated number of potentially exposed workers in the selected sectors was approximately 100,000. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of the new European Union (EU) regulation has enhanced the surveillance system, resulting in noteworthy improvements in the monitoring of occupational exposure to formaldehyde.

Source: Annali dell Istituto Superiore di Sanità

DOI: 10.4415/ann_26_02_04

Authors: Alberto Scarselli, Monica Gherardi, Davide Di Marzio, Alessandro Marinaccio

Institution: Istituto Nazionale per l'Assicurazione Contro gli Infortuni sul Lavoro

Language: English

Topic: Occupational Health and Safety in Workplaces

Subfield: Occupational Therapy

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Istituto Nazionale per l'Assicurazione Contro Gli Infortuni sul Lavoro