Exposure to formaldehyde among animal health students.
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the exposure to formaldehyde in 2 groups each with 18 students in animal health technology from two different training centers (TC) during a 3-hour weekly laboratory session in biology. Personal sampling during the session was done with passive bubblers for formaldehyde. The analysis of formaldehyde was done by visible absorption spectrometry according to NIOSH method 3500. The students in TC 1 were exposed to formaldehyde levels ranging from less than 0.11 to 0.76 mg/m3 with an average at 0.25 mg/m3 during the 3-hour biology laboratory. The students in TC 2 were exposed to higher concentrations of formaldehyde ranging from 0.26 to 1.2 mg/m3 with an average at 0.632 mg/m3. The results of the survey indicate that the students in both centers were exposed to a notable amount of formaldehyde vapor, at a level that is above the threshold limit value.
Dufresne
A
A
McGill University, Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine, 3450 University Street, Suite 22, Montreal (Quebec), H3A 2A7 Canada. andre.dufresne@mcgill.ca
Infante-Rivard
C
C
Malo
J L
JL
Gautrin
D
D
D000328:Adult; D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000032:analysis*; D000818:Animals; D020811:Biomedical Technology; D002415:Cats; D005404:Fixatives / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005557:Formaldehyde / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016272:Occupational Health; D013337:Students, Medical
D005404:Fixatives; D015386:Hazardous Substances; D005557:Formaldehyde