Reducing the levels of formaldehyde exposure in gross anatomy laboratories

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A method is described in which formaldehyde levels are greatly reduced in our gross anatomy laboratory in order to comply with increasingly severe safety and health regulations. METHODS: A novel type of dissection "bed" has been introduced which incorporates an internal motor that causes a downflow of formaldehyde-rich vapors, which are absorbed by a replaceable active carbon filtration system. RESULTS: Use of the new dissection "beds" has resulted in the recirculated air being virtually formaldehyde-free. Formaldehyde vapor levels in our gross anatomy laboratory have been greatly reduced and are typically in the range of 0.03-0.09 ppm. CONCLUSIONS: The new system allows us to comply with safety and health regulations and provide a dissection room with an excellent working environment.