A study on the adverse effects of embalming fluid on medical students

Abstract

Background-Formaldehyde used in the embalming fluid can be toxic, allergic & carcinogenic. Inhalation of vapours of formaldehyde from formalin treated cadavers in the anatomy dissection hall can produce many adverse effects in all those handling the cadaver. Objectives- This study was carried out among the medical students of Silchar Medical College & Hospital, Assam, to learn about the difficulties they experienced when they get exposed to the embalmed cadavers for the first time. Materials & Methods- To assess the acute & chronic toxic effects of formaldehyde, a set of questionnaires was given to the 125 first year MBBS students in which they were asked to grade their experience. The collected data was later analysed statistically by using Microsoft Excel sheet. Results- The commonest reported discomfort was unpleasant smell (91.2%) followed by excessive lacrimation (86.4%), burning in the eyes (76.8%), burning nasal cavity (74.4%),itching of hands (43.2%),nausea (7.2%), dizziness (5.6%), headache(4%) & dry nose (1.6%). Conclusion-Irritating toxic effects of formaldehyde on medical students cannot be denied. This calls for adopting better preventive measures & ensuring proper ventilation of the dissection halls so that the students can enjoy their dissection class.