A recent PBS NewsHour segment, “Formaldehyde is everywhere, but poses dangers to our health. Here’s what to know”, has brought renewed public attention to a critical health issue that scientists and regulators have been sounding the alarm about for years.
▶️ Watch the full video here:
Formaldehyde is everywhere – PBS NewsHour
A chemical all around us and a hidden threat
Formaldehyde, a volatile organic compound commonly used in composite woods, glues, paints, and textiles, is also widely employed in laboratories and medical settings, particularly in the form of formalin for sample preservation. While its ubiquity has made it a mainstay in multiple industries, its health risks are becoming impossible to ignore.
As highlighted in the PBS NewsHour report, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently concluded that formaldehyde poses “an unreasonable risk” to human health. Even more alarmingly, a ProPublica investigation found that it causes more cancer than any other airborne pollutant in the U.S.
The case for safer solutions is stronger than ever
These findings are not just cause for concern – they’re a call to action.
In laboratory environments, where exposure to formaldehyde is often prolonged and repeated, the implications for worker health are especially serious. The need to transition away from formalin toward safer, effective alternatives is urgent—not only to reduce cancer risk but also to create safer working conditions across research, diagnostic, and pathology labs.
GAF®: a reliable and safer alternative
At Addax, we believe that scientific progress must go hand in hand with responsibility. That’s why we support the use of GAF®, a formalin-free fixative that ensures excellent sample preservation while eliminating the toxic risks associated with formaldehyde.
GAF® delivers high-quality results in histological and molecular analyses, including Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), while protecting both people and the environment.
Time to rethink our standards
The evidence is mounting. Regulatory scrutiny is increasing. And the health of laboratory professionals and patients alike demands change.
We invite all stakeholders—scientists, technicians, decision-makers, and health authorities—to explore safer, validated alternatives. Because innovation isn’t just about performance: it’s about making smarter, safer choices for the future.
📽 Don’t miss the video:
Watch on YouTube →
“Formaldehyde is everywhere, but poses dangers to our health. Here’s what to know”