title: A new system to reduce formaldehyde levels improves safety conditions during gross veterinary anatomy learning.
abstract: Dissection is a very useful method of learning veterinary anatomy. However, formaldehyde, which is widely used to preserve cadavers, is an irritant, and it has recently been classified as a carcinogen. In 1997, the Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo [National Institute of Workplace Security and Hygiene] found that the levels of formaldehyde in our dissection room were above the threshold limit values. Unfortunately, no optimal substitute for formaldehyde is currently available. Therefore, we designed a new ventilation system that combines slow propulsion of fresh air from above the dissection table and rapid aspiration of polluted air from the perimeter. Formaldehyde measurements performed in 2004, after the introduction of this new system into our dissection laboratory, showed a dramatic reduction (about tenfold, or 0.03 ppm). A suitable propelling/aspirating air system successfully reduces the concentration of formaldehyde in the dissection room, significantly improving safety conditions for students, instructors, and technical staff during gross anatomy learning.
authors: Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain. victor.nacher@uab.es
authors: Víctor
authors: V
authors: Nacher
authors: Cristina
authors: C
authors: Llombart
authors: Ana
authors: A
authors: Carretero
authors: Marc
authors: M
authors: Navarro
authors: Pere
authors: P
authors: Ysern
authors: Sebastián
authors: S
authors: Calero
authors: Enric
authors: E
authors: Fígols
authors: Jesús
authors: J
authors: Ruberte
mesh_terms: D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis / Q000517:prevention & control; D000719:Anatomy, Veterinary / Q000193:education*; D000818:Animals; D002102:Cadaver; D005374:Filtration / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005404:Fixatives / Q000009:adverse effects; D005557:Formaldehyde / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007753:Laboratories; D008452:Maximum Allowable Concentration; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control; D012449:Safety
chemical_list: D005404:Fixatives; D005557:Formaldehyde