1 Amendments of Sergio GUTIÉRREZ PRIETO related to 2016/0130(COD)
Amendment 97 #
Proposal for a directive
Recital 17 a (new)
Recital 17 a (new)
(17a) Formalin is an indispensable component of what in in pathology is referred to as ‘pre-analytical’ sample treatment. It is essential for the preservation of tissue specimens sent for analysis, without which European pathologists would no longer be able to diagnose the disease in question. In the EU, this would effectively mean placing at risk over 50 million patients, that is to say half of all cancer patients, whose treatment depends on the pathologist’s diagnosis. Regarding the working conditions of pathology department staff members regularly exposed to specimens preserved in formalin, measures are taken to keep formalin exposure readings below what is regarded as the danger level. It is therefore necessary to ensure the continued use of this substance in medical laboratories until a sufficiently reliable alternative can be found that reduces harmful exposure to formalin.