The project was mainly focused on knowledge acquisition and dissemination, and aimed to procure a more detailed overview of the scope and use of FAR chemicals, as well as exposure situations and levels.

FAR chemical

A FAR chemical is a chemical compound that releases formaldehyde, either spontaneously, or through reactions with other chemicals or water. In the petroleum industry, FAR chemicals are mainly used as H2S scrubbers, and in some cases as biocide in diesel.   

The primary health effects of formaldehyde exposure are respiratory irritation and increased risk of developing nasopharyngeal/sinus cancer and lymphoma (acute myeloid leukaemia). Formaldehyde can also trigger allergic reactions in the event of skin contact. 

Exposure to formaldehyde, like exposure to benzene, is associated with an increased risk of developing acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

In preparing the report, information was obtained from the industry on the use and handling of FAR chemicals, along with results from mappings and occupational hygiene measurements of formaldehyde from FAR chemicals.

The objective of the work was to:

  • Identify exposure situations and levels in respect of formaldehyde from FAR chemicals offshore and onshore
  • Investigate the possible interaction of formaldehyde and benzene with respect to adverse health outcomes, particularly concerning cancer risk.

The project’s report was presented at a webinar on carcinogenic chemicals in the petroleum industry on 7 June 2024.

Need for more knowledge

Information obtained showed extensive use of FAR chemicals in the petroleum industry. 19 of the 20 companies participating in the survey reported having one or more FAR chemicals in use on their facilities, with an overall estimated consumption of several hundred tonnes per year.

Nevertheless, there is limited knowledge about exposure conditions associated with such chemicals. A few companies have conducted exposure mappings of activities involving a risk of exposure to formaldehyde from FAR chemicals. But the mappings conducted do not cover all relevant exposure situations. More mappings are therefore required to obtain an overview of exposure risk. Among other things, there is a need to investigate whether formaldehyde exposure can also be a risk when working on process systems downstream of the injection point of FAR chemicals.

There is little literature to indicate anything about health outcomes in the event of simultaneous or sequential exposure to benzene and formaldehyde. It has therefore not been possible to come to a conclusion about any interaction effects of benzene and formaldehyde in respect of cancer risk.