Formaldehyde vapor exposures in anatomy laboratories

Am Ind Hyg Assoc J. 1983 Dec;44(12):948-50. doi: 10.1080/15298668391405995.

Abstract

This study examined formaldehyde vapor exposures that occurred in the gross anatomy laboratories of a major medical school during a 12-week study period. Formaldehyde samples were collected using personal sampling pumps to draw air through midget impingers containing a 0.1% solution of sodium bisulfite dissolved in deionized water as the absorbing medium. Breathing zone and ambient air samples were collected and analyzed from 8 laboratories on a rotating basis. Analysis was via the chromotropic acid method recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. It was found that 44% of all breathing zone samples were greater than the 1.0 ppm ceiling value for occupational exposure recently recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Only 11% of ambient air samples were in excess of 1.0 ppm.

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants / analysis*
  • Anatomy / education*
  • Formaldehyde / analysis*
  • Laboratories
  • Volatilization

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Formaldehyde