Effects of Formalin on Pulmonary Function Tests of Medical Students in Anatomy Dissection Laboratory

摘要

Formalin is used for preservation of cadavers in anatomy dissection laboratories which vaporizes at normal room temperature and causes respiratory problems. The present study has been conductedtoassess the effects of formalin vapors on pulmonary function tests of first year medical students in the anatomy dissection hall. Sixty medical students of Rama Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Mandhana, Kanpur; were selected for this study. The lung function tests (FVC, FEV1, FEV1%, FEF_(25-75), PEF and Vmax_(25%)) using computerized spirometry, were done on four occasions; before exposure (basal), 1 month (acute effects), 6 months and 11 months (chronic effects) after exposure to formalin vapors. The results of the study showed statistically significant (p<0.001) decrease in values of FVC, FEV1, PEFand FEF_(25-75) as acute effects of formalin exposure. However on chronic exposure the dynamic lung functions normalized back to basal levels within 6 to 11 months. The study reflects that formalin is a noxious chemical and an occupational hazard; causing decreased pulmonary functions in medical students exposed to formalin during anatomy dissection which on chronic exposure are restored back to basal levels by adaptive compensatory changes. Further studies are required to elucidate these compensatory mechanisms at the cellular level.