NHS workers left disabled by cancer-causing chemical

Toxic substance used in labs described as 'the next asbestos'

- REBECCA THOMAS HEALTH CORRESPONDENT

For Robert Mifflin, it started with sore eyes and a runny nose. Soon, he was experiencing vomiting and nosebleeds. Eventually, after three years, he had developed such severe problems with his breathing that he was unable to work.

As head of mortuary services at Oxford University, Mr Mifflin, 57, had spent years being exposed to formaldehyde - a cancer-causing chemical that experts have likened to asbestos - while preparing bodies in the medical school laboratory. Now retired, he has to use a walking frame and believes his near-daily exposure to the chemical has “completely wrecked” his life.

“We used to be in a motorcycle club. I had to stop that because I couldn’t breathe while riding. It’s just ridiculous. We used to do a lot of walking. I can’t do that. We take the dog out, but I now have a Zimmer frame with a seat on it, so I can sit down every so often. So, yeah, it’s changed a lot. You know, it’s difficult.”

Mr Mifflin is one of several former NHS and laboratory workers who have spoken to The Independent and Channel 4 News as part of a probe into concerns that staff are being exposed to unacceptably high levels of formaldehyde, which is putting their health at risk. As part of the joint investigation, we have spoken to staff who have been forced to quit their jobs because of ill health, after they were regularly exposed to levels of formaldehyde deemed unsafe by UK and EU regulators.

Experts have warned that regulators and NHS trusts are failing to protect thousands of staff working in laboratories where formaldehyde is used every day. However, the issue is far wider, as the chemical is used across multiple industries and settings. Those who come into contact with it include funeral directors and embalmers, vets and university students. Despite the risks, the UK has refused to reduce exposure thresholds to match those of the EU, in the aftermath of Brexit.

‘The next asbestos’