[Occupational exposure to formaldehyde and new table of occupational diseases]

This paper presents an update on the carcinogenic effect of formaldehyde. First, generalities of its chemical composition are considered, followed by the description of some of its uses, both in the industry and in health institutions, as well as an account of the risk to which the general population is exposed, in particular health personnel, as a result of prolonged exposure to this chemical component. Emphasis is placed on the concentration of formaldehyde in everyday life and in the workplace, while the guidelines of decree 1477 of August 5, 2014, issued by the Ministry of Labor of Colombia, on occupational exposure to this chemical are analyzed to demonstrate that this decree does not consider the already known carcinogenic effects of formaldehyde, widely supported by scientific evidence, thus leaving a void for both occupational prevention and labor legislation.