Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu, on behalf of the European Commission, defended the current occupational exposure limit for formaldehyde of 0.3 ppm, set in 2019, while signalling that an updated list of priority chemicals for possible revision is expected by mid-2026. The answer came in response to a parliamentary question from 22 MEPs, led by Marianne Vind (S&D), who cited a Danish documentary linking four young medical assistants' cancers to formaldehyde exposure and alleged industry lobbying influenced the limit.
Mînzatu stressed that the 0.3 ppm limit was based on a comprehensive, evidence-based process involving the tripartite Advisory Committee on Safety and Health at Work (ACSH), which includes national authorities and social partners. She noted that the ACSH's working party on chemicals is discussing an updated priority list, with advice expected by mid-2026. The Commission did not commit to a specific reassessment of formaldehyde or to lowering the limit, instead pointing to the regular review process.
On the question of industry influence, Mînzatu stated that the OEL-setting process relies on scientific assessment by independent experts in the European Chemicals Agency's risk assessment committee and on broad stakeholder consultation. She did not directly address the allegations of lobbying pressure or the correlation between industry funding and research outcomes raised by the MEPs.
The answer also referenced existing consumer protections under REACH, which restricts formaldehyde emissions in indoor air. The Commission's response suggests no immediate revision of the occupational limit, but leaves the door open for future changes if new scientific evidence emerges through the ACSH process. The MEPs had called for an expedited reassessment and a lower limit, citing the tragic cases of young doctors.