BACKGROUNDA cadaver is preserved via the infusion of formalin, which contains formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is colourless and flammable gas, which has an irritating and pungent smell. Formalin after evaporation from the embalmed bodies turns into fumes and is responsible for health hazard for all medical students and faculties.The aim of this study was to find out and quantify the noxious effects of formalin. MATERIALS AND METHODSThe present study was conducted on 140 medical students, who were unconsciously routinely exposed to formaldehyde fumes for two hours daily (6 days in a week) during dissection. They were asked to fill up the questionnaires, which were related to symptoms arising due to inhalation of formaldehyde fumes within the dissection hall. RESULTSIn our study, 79.28% students have reported excessive lacrimation and also felt that it was the most irritating and troublesome symptom (57.14%). The unpleasant smell was felt by 76.42% students and 63.57% students experienced that it was the first symptom to develop. Other symptoms reported were running nose (62.14%), itching sensation in eyes (68.57%), cough (18.57%), sore throat (20.71%), difficulty in breathing (24.28%) and headache (51.42%). CONCLUSIONMedical students are exposed to formaldehyde during their dissection course and exposure to formaldehyde fumes is hazardous to the health of medical students. The harmful effects of formalin can be reduced by some preventive measures like good exhaust ventilation in dissection hall and by wearing protective devices like gloves, masks and aprons, etc. KEYWORDSFormalin, Formaldehyde, Toxicity, Medical Students, Cadaver Preservatives.HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Jain R, Jain A, Marskole S. Noxious effects of formalin treated cadavers on medical students during dissection.

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