Down‐Draft Tables Effectively Reduce Formaldehyde Levels in Anatomical Dissection Laboratories

Abstract

Cadaver dissections are an essential anatomical teaching tool in health sciences. However, these dissection courses increase staff and students to formaldehyde exposure. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) previously set standards designed to protect individuals from excess formaldehyde and individuals working in the laboratories were protected through ventilation. However, older buildings that host cadaveric dissections may not provide the ventilation necessary to adequately keep formaldehyde levels below a safe threshold. Constructing or renovating a building's ventilation system is expensive. The estimated cost to retrofit the ventilation system in the University of Utah's anatomy lab was three million dollars. This study sought to determine a cost‐effective solution to reduce formaldehyde exposure; thereby creating a safe environment for laboratory occupants. Using formaldehyde‐monitoring badges strategically placed above each cadaver and on each dissector, dissections were conducted for 200‐230‐minute intervals. The badges were analyzed and showed formaldehyde Permissible Exposure Levels (PELs) were above OSHA limits (0.34‐1.91ppm). Dissection gurneys were then fitted with paired side vents measuring 64 x 4 x 4 inches. These vents were attached to the Python Portable Floor Sentry‐Fume Extractor (Model #SS‐450‐PYT; Sentry Air Systems) measuring 19.5 x 22.5 x 20 inches, which directed air surrounding the embalmed body through the formaldehyde filtration system. Following the installation of down‐draft tables, and using the same experimental method, data from eight new badges were analyzed. These samples resulted in PEL levels between 0.06‐0.13 ppm, well below the OSHA limit. With the use of down‐draft tables, formaldehyde PEL levels were reduced by an average of 0.63ppm; a statistically significant decrease (T‐test of 0.036). The cost to retrofit 10 gurneys into down‐draft tables was approximately 55,000 dollars, saving the University more than 2.9 million. This study suggests the use of modified down‐draft tables provide an affordable and safe environment for anatomy dissection personnel, as well as a cost‐ and time‐effective alternative to retrofitting ventilation in facilities not specifically designed for dissection.