%0 Journal Article
%T Excruciating Effect of Formaldehyde Exposure to Students in Gross Anatomy Dissection Laboratory
%A FM Onyije
%A OG Avwioro
%J International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
%D 2012
%I National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) Health Organization
%X Background: Formaldehyde is extensively used for preservation of cadavers in departments of anatomy. However, it is a noxious chemical which may cause serious health problems. Objective: To assess the effect of exposure of medical students to formaldehyde at the Department of Anatomy, Niger Delta University, Nigeria. Methods: In a questionnaire-based study, 93 second-year medical students were surveyed at the Department of Human Anatomy, Niger Delta University, Nigeria. The average duration of exposure for each student in the dissection hall was 6 hr/wk. Participants with history of cough, respiratory or skin diseases were excluded from the study. Results: Out of 93 questionnaires distributed, 75 were completed and returned (response rate: 81%). Of 75 students, 58 (77%) were strongly affected by unpleasant smell of formaldehyde. It was followed by ˇ°runny or congested noseˇ± and ˇ°redness of the eyes.ˇ± ˇ°Skin-related diseasesˇ± was identified as the least ranked effect of formaldehyde. Conclusion: Due to the numerous health challenges that formaldehyde causes to students in the gross anatomy dissection laboratories, it cannot be considered as a suitable chemical for embalmment of cadaver for dissection.
%K Anatomy
%K Dissection
%K Formaldehyde
%K Students
%K medical
%U http://www.theijoem.com/ijoem/index.php/ijoem/article/view/125