Formaldehyde Exposure Concerns Raised for NHS Workers
A growing number of reports are highlighting concerns over NHS workers’ exposure to formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, in pathology departments across Scotland and England. Several individuals have come forward detailing inadequate safety measures and subsequent health issues potentially linked to the chemical.
In Scotland,Sally*,a former biomedical scientist with NHS Lanarkshire who retired at age 60 due to severe asthma,recalls consistent exposure to strong formaldehyde fumes throughout her 34-year career,beginning in 1984.She described working amongst numerous jars of formalin solution with limited personal protective equipment (PPE), typically only gloves and occasionally an apron. sally stated that samples were frequently enough stored in open jars,on trolleys,and even in buckets,rather than within downdraft benches – equipment designed to draw away hazardous fumes. She received a diagnosis of occupational asthma linked to formalin exposure in 2023 and secured a settlement from the trust after retiring due to ill health, following further exposure to cleaning chemicals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thompsons Solicitors Scotland, who represented Sally, also secured a £90,000 settlement for another lab assistant at NHS Lanarkshire who experienced important formalin exposure.
NHS Lanarkshire maintains that scheduled monitoring consistently shows formaldehyde levels below workplace limits. A spokesperson stated that a 2024 Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspection revealed no issues, and ongoing monitoring will continue.
Concerns extend beyond Scotland. A pregnant lab worker in london alleges she was denied PPE and dismissed when she inquired about the risks of formaldehyde exposure to her unborn child, being told to “get on with it.”
The Department for Health and social Care affirmed that NHS trusts are responsible for ensuring safe working environments and expects the HSE to take action when concerns are raised. The department also highlighted a £30 billion investment in NHS maintenance and repairs, with over £5 billion allocated to critical cases.
The HSE confirmed employers have a legal obligation to assess risks from hazardous substances and implement appropriate control measures. they emphasized that formaldehyde exposure must be reduced to as low a level as is reasonably practicable (ALARP). The HSE also stated that, given the existing legal requirement to minimize exposure, lowering the current workplace exposure limit would not provide additional health benefits. They are currently reviewing research concerning formaldehyde exposure in NHS pathology departments, having met with the researchers involved.
*Name changed to protect anonymity.
