Do I need to be worried about working with Formaldehyde?

Whilst formaldehyde has been in use in a range of industries for decades, its name – and harmful consequences – are only now becoming widely known.

The chemical has become referred to as the ‘new asbestos’ due to the damaging impact it can have on the health of those who have been exposed – and, like asbestos, often its most serious consequences can lie dormant for many years.

Although there have been calls for a ban in light of the new information on the damaging effects of formaldehyde, it is still in use in a range of environments. It is widely used in preservation – including pathology labs and mortuaries (both NHS and privately owned) – as well as the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, adhesives, polymers and resins. It is also used in treatment of wood and other natural materials.

And as formaldehyde can be inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin, those living with its consequences may not be aware of their exposure – but the onset of any symptoms, either immediately or later down the line, should act as red flags.

Initial symptoms can include breathing difficulties, skin irritation, nausea and hair loss – longer-term conditions can be devastating and include a variety of cancers and leukemia. Symptoms of historic exposure can include extreme fatigue, nausea, headaches and cognitive issues.

If you feel you may have been in an environment where formaldehyde is or has been present, you should seek medical attention - and importantly, make the healthcare professional aware of your concerns around exposure. While asbestos is now frequently considered, formaldehyde does not yet have the same recognition within healthcare, and links are not always automatically made.

Those working in mortuaries, construction, agriculture and who have worked with plastics, resins or foam products or the treatment of wood or other materials are more likely to have been exposed, without necessarily realising.

If you suspect that you or a loved one has been in contact with formaldehyde – either recently or historically – and symptoms are being displayed of any of its known health issues, the first step is to seek medical advice. The earlier intervention can be achieved, the more effective the treatment can be.

Specialist industrial disease lawyers can also lend support if you have been exposed. While compensation is of course important, for many people, finding the answers around how and why they were in contact with such a harmful chemical is a key component in making a claim. Knowing it is still in widespread use, and that taking a stand could help to ensure employers introduce more and better safeguards for their workers, is also a really compelling motivation for people to come forward. We’d urge anyone with any concerns to do so as soon as possible.