Toxic Effects Of Formalin On Formalin Treated Cadavers On Undergraduate, Postgraduate Students And Other Staff In The Department Of Anatomy, Gmc Jammu

Abstract

Introduction: Formaldehyde, which was discovered in 1867, has been used as a tissue fixative, preservative and the 1^st choice as embalming agent. It has been used since 20^th century. However innumerable ill effects of Formalin have been observed, it affects the skin, eyes, nose and also causes general ill effects.

Methods: The study was done on 212 subjects, that included 183 undergraduates on 1^st year MBBS, batch 2020-21. It also included few others like the postgraduates, the demonstrators, the faculty members and other dissection assisting staff. This cross sectional study was done for a period of 14 days, at the end of which, each subject was provided with a questionnaire that consisted of questions regarding the harmful effects of Formalin, using the Wats app class group and the responses were recorded and kept anonymous. The grading was done in such a way that Grade 0 (for no symptom), Grade 1 (for barely felt symptoms), Grade 2 (for prominent symptoms felt) and grade 3 (for intolerable symptoms).

Results: The most common symptom which the students and other members complained off is the unpleasant odour, which was seen in 75.5%, excluding the 24.5% who didn’t feel it at all. Dry or sore nose was seen in 63.7%, running nose was seen in 53.6%, unusual thirst in 52.4%. The symptoms related to eyes were redness, seen in 46.7%, itching in 48.4% and excessive lacrimation in 53.8%. Sore throat was felt in only 59.9%. Itchy hand was least commonly felt symptom among our study group and was seen in only 19.6%. The other general symptoms included nausea felt in 73.6% and is the second commonest symptom felt, following the unpleasant odour. Headache felt by%. Tiredness was seen in 47.2% and an episode of syncope was also less common and was seen in 45.4%.

Conclusion: The research highlighted the irritating effects of formalin and thus emphasized the need for revaluation of the concentration of formalin in embalming fluid and stressed upon the availability of proper environment for work and ventilation.