Effect of formalin vapours on pulmonary functions of medical students in anatomy dissection hall over a period of one year.
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Date
2013-07
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Abstract
Formalin is extensively used for preservation of cadavers in
department of Anatomy. However it is a noxious chemical which vaporises
at normal room temperature in the air and may cause respiratory health
problems among first year medical students. The study was planned to
observe the effect of formalin vapours on lung function tests of first year
medical students who are exposed routinely for 2 hrs every day for 6 days
per week throughout the year. Following written informed consent clinically
healthy 100 medical students between age group 18-23 yrs were subjected
to pulmonary function testing by computerised spirometery. The dynamic
lung function tests (FVC, FEV1, FEV1%, FEF25-75, PEFR) were measured on
four occasions-basal (before exposure), 1 month, 6 months, 11 months of
exposure to formalin vapours in anatomy dissection hall. The study revealed
statistically significant (P<0.0001) decreases in FVC, FEV1%, FEF25-75, PEFR
except FEV1 after 1 month of exposure to anatomy dissection hall. The
decrease in all the parameters slowly reverted back towards normal basal
values across 6 and 11 months and was statistically significant in all
(P<0.0001) except FVC. Acute exposure to formalin vapours at anatomy
dissection hall decreases the respiratory functions, however on long term
exposure the body corrects the damage. Further studies are required to
see the changes at cellular levels and the extent of damage to respiratory
system.
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Keywords
formalin, pulmonary functions, anatomy, dissection hall
Citation
Shrivastava Abha, Saxena Yogesh. Effect of formalin vapours on pulmonary functions of medical students in anatomy dissection hall over a period of one year. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology. 2013 Jul-Sept; 57(3): 255-260.