Formaldehyde tracking in a histopathology laboratory in a medical college

Background: Formalin 10% is a fixative agent used in pathology laboratories. Formaldehyde released from formalin is a strong irritant and a carcinogen. The lab personnel are exposed to 10% formalin preserved surgical and post-mortem tissue samples during the visual examination and grossing. The present study aims to assess the exposure to formaldehyde in a histopathology laboratory unit as well as the effectiveness of existing engineering/ventilation systems. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Formalin levels were measured using portable air quality/pollution meter which measures formaldehyde (HCHO) in terms of mg/m3 in the morning, noon, and evening in different areas for one month. Areas of rooms and ventilation were mapped. The level of formalin was noted before, during, and after the grossing procedure and compared with the reference values given in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and World Health Organisation (WHO). Results: Formaldehyde concentration ranged from 0.005 to 0.48 ppm (parts per million) in the grossing room and 0.002-0.010 ppm in the museum. Formaldehyde levels were highest in the morning and during grossing without using exhaust/ventilation and the levels reached minimum value within 15-20 minutes of switching on the existing control methods (exhaust fan of grossing station and opening of window panes). Conclusions: Formalin from the histology laboratories cannot be removed entirely but can be reduced sufficiently to lessen the risks to health by educating lab personnel and adopting appropriate control techniques.