A Study To Assess Acute Physical Reactions Experienced By First Year Medical Students On Exposure To Formaldehyde During Gross Anatomy Dissection

ABSTRACT

Medical students are exposed to formaldehyde regularly during gross anatomy dissection classes as the cadavers are embalmed with formalin, which on vapourization yields formaldehyde. They develop various physical reactions, most commonly irritation of mucosal surfaces of the nose, eyes and throat. The present study was done to evaluate these symptoms and how they change longitudinally over one month of exposure. Descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon signed rank test were applied for analysis. A p–value < 0.05 was considered significant. High incidence of eye and nasal irritation was noted along with a few others. After one month, a significant decline in throat irritation, unpleasant odour, nausea and headache was observed, while in others the decrease was non–significant. The wide spectrum of physical reactions demonstrates the detrimental effect of formaldehyde in the body. We should therefore ensure reduction of exposure by use of protective goggles, masks, improving ventilation and preventing unnecessary spillage of the formalin within the dissection hall.