WASHINGTON (AP) -- The government says the industrial chemical
formaldehyde causes cancer and that styrene, which is used
worldwide in the manufacture of fiberglass and food containers, may
cause cancer.

The National Institutes of Health says people with higher
measures of exposure to formaldehyde are at increased risk for
certain types of rare cancers, including in the upper part of the
throat behind the nose.

The strong-smelling chemical is widely used to make resins for
household items, including paper product coatings, plastics and
textile finishes. It also is commonly used as a preservative in
medical laboratories, mortuaries and consumer products including
some hair straightening products.

The government says styrene is a component of tobacco smoke, and
NIH says the greatest exposure to the chemical is through cigarette
smoking.