Long term exposure to formaldehyde, which was classified as a carcinogen in New Zealand, could result in changes to the cells it regularly came into contact with. Photo: Getty ImagesAn Auckland pathology laboratory has lost its accreditation for examining tissue samples because levels of a toxic gas got so high staff had to be evacuated almost daily. A letter from International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ) to LabPlus stated factors taken into account included almost daily staff evacuations due to formaldehyde exceeding statutory workplace exposure standards and that senior staff were unanimous in their belief the conditions presented a risk to "clinical safety". According to the Worksafe New Zealand website formaldehyde's short term health effects included irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. Long term exposure to formaldehyde, which was classified as a carcinogen in New Zealand, could result in changes to the cells it regularly came into contact with.

Source: Otago Daily Times June 22, 2017 08:15 UTC