Reduction of formaldehyde concentrations in the air and cadaveric tissues by ammonium carbonate

Abstract

The reduction of formaldehyde by ammonium carbonate was examined in cadavers and in vitro. Formaldehyde concentrations in the air (10 cm above human cadavers) and in various cadaveric tissues were measured with or without perfusion of ammonium carbonate solution into formaldehyde-fixed cadavers. Air samples were monitored using Kitagawa gas detector tubes. For measurement of formaldehyde in tissues, muscles and organs were cut into small pieces and tissue fluids were separated out by centrifugation. These specimen fluids were diluted, supplemented with 3-methyl-2-benzothiazolinone hydrazone hydrochloride and quantified by spectrophotometry. In five cadavers without ammonium carbonate treatment, the formaldehyde concentrations in the air above the thorax and in various tissue fluids were 1.2-3.0 p.p.m. and 0.15-0.53%, respectively. Arterial reperfusion of saturated ammonium carbonate solution (1.0, 1.5 or 2.0 L) into five formaldehyde-fixed cadavers successfully reduced the formaldehyde levels, both in the air (0.5-1.0 p.p.m.) and in various tissue fluids (0.012-0.36%). In vitro experiments demonstrated that formaldehyde concentrations decreased, first rapidly and then gradually, with the addition of ammonium carbonate solution into fluids containing formaldehyde. It was confirmed that formaldehyde reacted with the ammonium carbonate and was thereby changed into harmless hexamethylenetetramine. The application of ammonium carbonate solution via intravascular perfusion and, if necessary, by infusion into the thoracic and peritoneal cavities, injection into muscles and spraying on denuded tissues can be anticipated to reduce formaldehyde to satisfactorily low levels in cadaveric tissues and, consequently, in the air, which may provide safe and odorless dissecting rooms.

Investigation of Formaldehyde in Gross Anatomy Laboratory: Area-Based and Exposure Levels, Ventilation, Health Risk and Clinical Symptoms

“…Thus, embalming methods are one of the key mitigation measures for formaldehyde in gross anatomy laboratories. Several chemical combinations have been used to reduce the percentage of formaldehyde or even to replace formaldehyde in embalming solution [28][29][30][31]. For example, Thiel and ethanolglycerin techniques have been adopted for specimen fixation [28][29].…”

Formaldehyde Advantages and Disadvantages: Usage Areas and Harmful Effects on Human Beings

“…In addition, employees should be trained on environmental risk factors, toxic chemicals and protection from risk factors, and the use of gloves and masks, and it is also necessary to identify and map important emission areas and operations and to arrange/adjust the existing equipment [28,49,50]. Measures to be taken to against emission sources include increased ventilation, treatment of cadavers, and tissues with ammonium chloride in anatomy laboratories [51], covering machines, the use of local exhaust systems [52], and improvement of general ventilation [53]. Taking these measures in environments exposed to formaldehyde is necessary to reduce the exposure and minimize the health effects that may occur.…”

Pilot Study of a Dissection Table for Gross Anatomy Laboratory Equipped with a Photocatalytic Device that Decomposes Formaldehyde

“…Clark 20) has also detailed how FA concentrations can be reduced using fume cupboards for handling large volumes of FA and mixing embalming solutions. Kawamata and Kodera 21) examined the reduction of FA by ammonium carbonate in cadavers and in vitro. They reported that the reduction of FA by ammonium carbonate seemed very useful, was easy to perform, and was also relatively inexpensive.…”