Formaldehyde and leukemia: an updated meta-analysis and evaluation of bias.
OBJECTIVE
Formaldehyde exposures are common, and data linking these exposures to leukemia have been mixed and controversial. The objective of this analysis is to review the current epidemiologic literature on formaldehyde and leukemia.


METHODS
We performed an updated meta-analysis focusing on high-exposure groups and myeloid leukemia and included two large recent studies: one involving >25,000 workers in US formaldehyde industries and the other involving a cohort of >13,000 funeral directors and embalmers.


RESULTS
Formaldehyde was associated with increased risks of leukemia (relative risk = 1.53; 95% confidence interval = 1.11 to 2.21; P = 0.005; 14 studies), specifically myeloid leukemia (relative risk = 2.47; 95% confidence interval = 1.42 to 4.27; P = 0.001; 4 studies).


CONCLUSIONS
These findings provide evidence of increased myeloid leukemia risk with exposure to formaldehyde.
Schwilk
Erika
E
Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
Zhang
Luoping
L
Smith
Martyn T
MT
Smith
Allan H
AH
Steinmaus
Craig
C
D015982:Bias; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005557:Formaldehyde / Q000633:toxicity*; D006801:Humans; D007938:Leukemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012306:Risk
D005557:Formaldehyde