Formaldehyde Levels and the Indoor Air Quality of Anatomy Dissection Hall with Different Ventilation Setups

Abstract

During anatomy dissection, the release of formaldehyde (FA) from cadavers and embalming fluids can negatively affect the well-being of students and staff. To address this issue, a study measured the FA and air quality (CO2 and Total Volatile Organic Compounds- TVOC) in the breathing zone with different ventilation setups: natural, fan-based, and air-conditioned. The FA, CO2, and TVOC levels were estimated at the cadavers’ head and toe ends, in the pathway, and between the dissection tables. The levels were higher near the cadaver and lower in the pathway and between the tables, regardless of the type of ventilation. Fan-based ventilation had the lowest mean FA, CO2, and TVOC levels compared to AC and natural ventilation. However, there was no significant difference in these levels between the ventilation types, except for the toe-ends of the cadavers (p < 0.05), where the toe-end farther from the AC vents had higher levels. The study suggests that areas away from the source of ventilation are at risk of having lower air quality. Therefore, in addition to selecting an appropriate ventilation system, placing cadavers near the source of ventilation would help optimize FA levels and improve indoor air quality for better working conditions suitable for students and staff.