Changes in Work Practices for Safe Use of Formaldehyde in a University-Based Anatomy Teaching and Research Facility

Abstract

Anatomy teaching and research relies on the use of formaldehyde (FA) as a preservation agent for human and animal tissues. Due to the recent classification of FA as a carcinogen, university hospitals are facing a challenge to (further) reduce exposure to FA. The aim of this study was to reduce exposure to FA in the anatomy teaching and research facility. Workers participated in the development of improved work practices, both technical and organizational solutions. Over a period of 6 years mitigating measures were introduced, including improvement of a down-flow ventilation system, introduction of local exhaust ventilation, collection of drain liquid from displayed specimens in closed containers and leak prevention. Furthermore, some organizational changes were made to reduce the number of FA peak exposures. Stationary and personal air sampling was performed in three different campaigns to assess the effect of these new work practices on inhalation exposure to FA. Samples were collected over 8 h (full shift) and 15 min (task-based) to support mitigation of exposure and improvement of work practices. Air was collected on an adsorbent coated with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) and analyzed by HPLC-UV. Geometric mean (GM) concentrations of FA in the breathing zone over a work-shift were 123 µg/m3 in 2012 and 114 µg/m3 in 2014, exceeding the workplace standard of 150 µg/m3 (8 h time-weighted average, TWA) on 46% of the workdays in 2012 and 38% of the workdays in 2014. This exposure was reduced to an average of 28.8 µg/m3 in 2017 with an estimated probability of exceeding the OEL of 0.6%. Task-based measurements resulted in a mean peak exposures of 291 µg/m3 in 2012 (n = 19) and a mean of 272 µg/m3 in 2014 (n = 21), occasionally exceeding the standard of 500 µg/m3 (15 min TWA), and were reduced to a mean of 88.7 µg/m3 in 2017 (n = 12) with an estimated probability of exceeding the OEL of 1.6%.

Effective mitigation strategies for reducing workers’ exposure to formaldehyde: a systematic review

“…Another approach adopted to reduce FA concentration during autopsy or embalming activities was the improvement of the ventilation system. This mitigation approach guaranteed a reduction of airborne FA between 69.5 and 91.7% (Pfeil et al 2020;Scheepers et al 2018;Gressel et al 2001;Hiipakka et al 2001). In particular, the highest reduction percentage was obtained when the improvement of the ventilation system was combined with the use of a binding agent (Pfeil et al 2020; reduction percentage: 95.8%).…”

Toward safer thanatopraxy cares: formaldehyde‐releasers use

“…; Elshaer & Mahmoud, ; Scheepers et al. ). Cytogenetic damages have also been reported in anatomy workers even below the respective occupational exposure limit (Bono et al.…”

Occupational Exposure to Formaldehyde and Cancer Risk Assessment in an Anatomy Laboratory

“…The dissection of human cadavers is an irreplaceable practice in general training of medical students and doctors in specialist training, in conducting research on fundamental anatomical and pathological phenomena, and in the improvement of diagnostic and therapeutic methods. Cadavers in anatomy laboratories are usually preserved in formalin [1], an embalming fluid that contains formaldehyde (FA) as a principal component [2]. Because FA easily polymerizes at high concentrations and after long storage periods, it is often used commercially as a 37-40 % solution of FA (formalin) [3].…”