ABSTRACT
Introduction: Formalin is the commonest fixative chemical used for preserving cadavers by embalming andother biological specimens which is commonly used in Medical colleges in Anatomy Dissection hall. C reactiveProtein is an annular pentameric protein found in blood plasma. CRP is synthesised by the liver and itsconcentration increases rapidly during inflammatory processes. The aim of the present study is to reveal thecorrelation between exposure to formalin and changes in pulmonary function tests in undergraduate medicalstudents and to find out the correlation between exposure to formalin and C reactive protein.Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on eighty (40 girls and 40 boys) first year undergraduatemedical students of both the gender between 18-22 years of age in Department of Anatomy and Physiology, ACSMedical college, Chennai. Pulmonary function tests was carried out by Computerised Spirometer before andafter two hours exposure to formalin in the Anatomy dissection hall. Blood sample for serum CRP level estimationwas also taken.Results: There is decrease in values of FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEFR and FEF25-75 after 2 hours exposure to formalin.There is decrease in values of FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEFR and FEF25-75 in the male participants after 2 hoursexposure to formalin and the only parameter which is statistically significant is PEFR in the female participantsafter exposure to formalin. The values of FEV1 and FEV1/FVC are statistically significant in male and femaleparticipants before exposure to formalin. The values of FEV1/FVC, PEFR and FEF25-75 are statistically significantin male and female participants after exposure to formalin. About 64 students have CRP range of 10.1-40.0mg/l (80%). About 4 students have more increased levels of CRP within the range of 40.1-80.0 mg/l (5%).Conclusion: There is great impact of formalin on CRP and Pulmonary function tests in first year undergraduatemedical students who are constantly exposed to formalin in Anatomy dissection laboratory. To avoid this, eitherprotective measures or alternative measures should be taken.