Health hazards among autopsy workers

ABSTRACT

Formaldehyde is a known irritant to the mucosal membranes including the eyes and upper respiratory tract. It is also a sensitizing agent capable of inducing asthma and allergic contact dermatitis Many studies were conducted to clarify the effect of long term exposure to formaldehyde on the pulmonary functions. It was mentioned that formaldehyde is a biologically plausible carcinogen as it is a reactive alkylating agent. This work was performed in Kasr El-Einy hospital for monitoring the health status of workers in both the autopsy section and laboratory of the pathology department as well as in the veterinary autopsy section. Cairo University. All studied groups were evidentaly exposed to formaldehyde for varying periods. The results of the health survey were compared to those of a control group of comparable age and socioccnomic status. The prevalence of health impairment in the form of respiratory system, cardiac hepatic and renal impairment was found to be significantly higher among the exposed workers