Ill Effects of Formalin Exposure on Respiratory System among Students Studying In First Year M.B.B.S  A prospective study.

Deepa Bently.J; Rieyaz.H.A; Ravikumar.T; Swaminathan.P; Murugesan.P

Volume : VI, Issue : X, October - 2017

Ill Effects of Formalin Exposure on Respiratory System among Students Studying In First Year M.B.B.S A prospective study.

Deepa Bently. J, Rieyaz. H. A, Ravikumar. T, Swaminathan. P, Murugesan. P

Abstract :

Background: Dissecting human cadavers is an integral part of the curriculum in anatomy for the first year M.B.B.S., students. Formalin, the prime chemical used to embalm and preserve the cadavers, is an irritant and its vapours when inhaled causes serious health issues among the students. Aims & Objectives: To assess the nature and degree of ill–effects produced by formalin during dissection hours to the students in the department of anatomy GMC & ESIC, CBE. Material and Methods: A questionnaire was prepared containing 12 symptoms pertaining to the respiratory system were given to 100 students studying in first year MBBS. The average duration of exposure for each student was 13 hours/week during the academic year. Results: Out of 100 questionnaires distributed, all were completed and returned (response rate: 100%). Of 100 students, 77% were suffered from running nose, followed by 75 % has complaints of burning sensation of nose, 37% experienced soreness of throat. Conclusion: Formalin is a harmful chemical known to produce not only short term but long term health complications also. Hence students must be educated how to minimise their exposure to formalin vapours and protect themselves from their ill effects as far as possible.