Formaldehyde restricted across Europe

The UK funeral profession has three years to seek alternatives to formaldehyde or change how it approaches viewing the deceased, after the European Parliament voted in favour of adding formaldehyde to its list of restricted carcinogens and mutagens.

Formaldehyde, used in embalming fluid, has been linked to cancer as well as being an irritant. The European Commission expects the five chemicals it has restricted to prevent more than 22,000 work related illnesses over 50 years, and improve conditions for over a million workers across Europe. UK MEP Anthea McIntyre secured a three year delay on banning the substance so funeral directors could adjust.