Formaldehyde controversy highlights tension between lobbying and scientific evidence

A new issue of Bibliotek for Læger examines the intersection of power and scientific evidence, specifically focusing on the formaldehyde controversy involving lobbyists in Brussels. The discussion follows the documentary ‘Den giftige tvivl’, which investigated increased cancer cases among former dissection instructors.

Investigations into the evidence base for current formaldehyde limit values suggest a pattern between the source of study funding and whether a link between exposure and various cancer types is identified. The report highlights concerns regarding industry influence on research, noting instances where industry representatives' comments appeared in published articles regarding chemical limit values. The core issue remains the struggle over who defines valid knowledge used by clinicians, patients, and society.