New cancer cases linked to Panum Institute basement reported
Wednesday 17th June 2026 on 13:15 in
Denmark
At least two new cancer cases tied to the basement under the University of Copenhagen’s Panum Institute have been reported as potential occupational injuries, Danish broadcaster DR reports.
Kirstine Karnov, a former dissection instructor in the basement, died of lung cancer at 33 in 2019 after suspecting a link between her illness and exposure to formaldehyde, a carcinogenic chemical used to preserve cadavers. Her widow, Niclas von Dohrn, has pushed for a re-examination of her case.
Following DR’s documentary Den Giftige Tvivl (The Toxic Doubt), the Occupational and Environmental Medicine Department at Bispebjerg Hospital reassessed Karnov’s case. While maintaining their original conclusion, they noted new studies suggesting a possible connection between formaldehyde and lung cancer. Her case has now been reported to the Danish Working Environment Authority (AES) as a potential work-related injury—a step not taken in 2019.
“It’s not a conclusion in itself, but an important step to ensure all relevant factors are examined,” von Dohrn said. “I’m relieved that Kirstine’s concerns are now being taken seriously.”
A fifth case, involving a former basement worker diagnosed with lymphoma, has also been reported to AES. The individual, who worked in the same period as the four previously known cases, requested anonymity.
Since the documentary aired, Bispebjerg Hospital’s department has received 15 inquiries, 14 related to formaldehyde exposure at the university. Nine involved cancer cases linked to formaldehyde. The department confirmed “fewer than five” new reports to AES but declined to specify further, citing privacy.
The reports do not imply a confirmed link between the cancers and workplace exposure.
Christian Budtz, the sole survivor among the four initially reported cases, had his lymphoma recognized as a work-related injury in November 2025 due to formaldehyde exposure. Medical records noted that while earlier research found no clear link between formaldehyde and Hodgkin lymphoma, newer studies suggest a possible connection.