Exposure to formaldehyde in anatomy: An occupational health hazard?

Abstract

The adverse effects of formaldehyde have been discussed very emotionally in public. Anatomists, technicians in histology and embalming laboratories, as well as medical students during their dissection course are all exposed to formaldehyde, which in many situations crosses the threshold for irritation of the eyes and upper respiratory tract. There is no doubt about the acute toxic effects and the occurrence of contact dermatitis caused by formaldehyde. Studies in rats and mice using high concentrations over an extremely long period (which would not be tolerated by humans) resulted in squamous carcinoma of the nose. Epidemiologic studies on the mortality of medical personnel exposed to formaldehyde do not provide sufficient evidence of cancerogenicity. A number of recommendations will be given for defining the exact concentration in a dissecting room or laboratory and for ways of reducing formaldehyde concentrations and thus minimizing adverse health hazards. These data could initiate a discussion among anatomists, and with technicians and students, based on a sound scientific background rather than on emotion.

Effects of Formaldehyde on Respiratory Mucosa in Rats

“…Formaldehyde vapor in the environment,with a special air pump ventilation constant volume,pressure and temperature achieved (Pabst, 1987). The nasal mucosa were dissected under ketamine hidrochloride anesthesia and placed in % 10 formaldehide solution.…”

Nasal Response from Formaldehyde Exposure Used as Cadaver Preservative among Pre-Clinical Medical Students in a Nigerian Medical College

“…Formaldehyde is characterized for its pungent odor, a colorless, flammable gas and soluble in water; its aqueous solution of about 37% formaldehyde is called formalin and is widely used in a tissue preservative in autopsy rooms and in anatomy laboratories to preserve cadaver [1]- [3], particularly in Nigerian medical schools [4].…”

“…However, the most cost effective initial step in minimizing hazard of formalin exposure involves the detailed discussion with the medical students before starting dissection with the aim of achieving a balance attitude toward the health hazard of formaldehyde in anatomy laboratory [1].…”

“…In contrast, this may not be the case for developing countries like Nigeria, where formaldehyde and its biological effect is still a common phenomenon [4] [16]. Studies in the western world and Nigeria: on the effect of formaldehyde exposure to students in gross anatomy laboratory showed that its effect on the eyes and the upper respiratory tract are common [1] [4] [8] [16]. The uptake of formaldehyde by the nasal mucosa has been demonstrated to be extremely high [17] and there is dearth of information on the detailed nasal response from formaldehyde exposure during dissection in the anatomy laboratory.…”

Farklı Tespit Solüsyonlarının Böbrek Hacmi Üzerine Etkileri

“…Serious physical symptoms, irritation of eyes, lacrimation, irritation of airways and dermatitis are among the adverse effects that students and academicians experience [20] . Despite all these harmful effects, the reasons why this fixatives is still commonly used in making cadaver includes the low cost, ease of use [21] , and high toxicity on the microorganisms [22] .…”