[Scoping review on formaldehyde toxicity in occupationally exposed workers]

The presence of formaldehyde at workplace remains significant. Exposure to it results in local irritation of the eye, nose and upper respiratory tract mucous membranes, and it has been chronically related to a higher risk of cancer development at the paranasal sinuses, naso-oropharynx and lungs. The aim of our work has been the updating of the bibliography and the categorization of the most up to date scientific evidence of formaldehyde effects on human body. Bibliographic search on the electronic database Medline / PubMed, restricted to the last 10 years through a combination of free and controlled language.Review of 185 scientific articles, finally including 54 due to duplicity, language, and inclusion criteria. We find among the main results a major evidence regarding genotoxicity; limited, inconsistent, and contradictory evidence regarding various neoplastic pathologies; and lack of evidence regarding bronchial asthma. Further studies have to be carried out, especially longitudinal studies and greater epidemiological power, to generate new knowledge about the behavior of this toxic.