News · 10 June 2026

Thousands of NHS staff exposed to cancer chemical

Unsplash / Rusty Watson

Thousands of NHS staff across England are exposed to formaldehyde, a cancer-causing chemical that experts are likening to "the next asbestos". A new report found medics in pathology departments routinely breathe in harmful levels of the chemical, used for preserving tissue samples. The UK's workplace exposure limit is 2ppm, the world's highest, much more than the EU's stricter 0.3ppm rule.

By BriefTea Editorial · 10 June 2026 at 10:44

Reported by The Sun · How we write briefs

Get the app

More briefs

WorldSingapore threatens to prosecute firms behind Indonesia's worst fires in years as smoke spreads WorldFlash floods destroy villages in central Nepal WorldIMF chief says AI needs safeguards before it runs people over WorldChina moves to curb tech exports, including AI, citing national security risks WorldAirbus boss warns Burnham that picking Lockheed Martin for £2.4bn satellite deal could cost UK WorldUN chief frontrunner Grynspan says the UN plays it too safe Browse all stories →