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Written question asked by Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green Party) on Thursday, 11 December 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 29 December 2025. It was answered by Baroness Sherlock (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 December 2025 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Formaldehyde: Health and Safety

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to assess the level and effects of occupational formaldehyde exposure, particularly but not solely in the medical and veterinary fields; and what steps they plan to take to reduce damage to health from exposure.

Answer

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (2002) (COSHH) (as amended) is a robust and well-established regulatory framework in place to protect workers from the health risks associated with exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace, including formaldehyde.

Under COSHH, it is the responsibility of each employer to assess the risk from their work activities involving formaldehyde and to ensure that the exposure of their employees to this hazardous substance is either prevented, or where this is not reasonably practicable, adequately controlled.

Where workers or members of the public have serious concerns regarding the compliance of individual employers with these regulations, these can be raised with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) where concerns are triaged, and appropriate action taken to ensure employers are adequately controlling the risks from working with formaldehyde.

HSE is also working with stakeholder groups to remind employers of their duty to protect their employees from the risks associated with working with formaldehyde.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL12872
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Health and safety Formaldehyde
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk