Exposure to formaldehyde in anatomy: an occupational health hazard?

The adverse effects of formaldehyde have been discussed very emotionally in public. Anatomists, technicians in histology and embalming laboratories, as well as medical students during their dissection course are all exposed to formaldehyde, which in many situations crosses the threshold for irritation of the eyes and upper respiratory tract. There is no doubt about the acute toxic effects and the occurrence of contact dermatitis caused by formaldehyde. Studies in rats and mice using high concentrations over an extremely long period (which would not be tolerated by humans) resulted in squamous carcinoma of the nose. Epidemiologic studies on the mortality of medical personnel exposed to formaldehyde do not provide sufficient evidence of cancerogenicity. A number of recommendations will be given for defining the exact concentration in a dissecting room or laboratory and for ways of reducing formaldehyde concentrations and thus minimizing adverse health hazards. These data could initiate a discussion among anatomists, and with technicians and students, based on a sound scientific background rather than on emotion.