Comparison of real-time instrument use and absorbent tube method for measuring formaldehyde in working environments: A health risk assessment for gross anatomy staff

Abstract

Formaldehyde is widely used for the preservation of cadavers, exposing workers to potential risks of formaldehyde exposure in the workplace. This study compared the performance of real-time instruments (Gasmet) and absorbent tube methods in controlling formaldehyde levels in gross anatomy dissections with four working process areas. The concentrations of formaldehyde were determined over working periods ranging from 2 to 5 h. For the Gasmet results, a Monte Carlo simulation was applied in the uncertainty analysis to predict the formaldehyde concentration. Data collection involved questionnaires that included personal and work-related information. The Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were used to test–retest reliability between the two instruments. The results showed that the Gasmet direct reading and absorbent tube concentrations were not significantly different (p > 0.05) in all working areas and ICC was 0.939 indicating a highly reliable test result between the two measurements. The health-risk estimation indicated the hazard quotient and carcinogenic risk of formaldehyde. The carcinogenic risk was found to be unacceptable for all staff and processes, while the hazard quotient was found to be acceptable only in the body injection process. Future studies should employ a larger sample size and a greater number of sampling points to enhance the statistical power and precision of the results. The findings of this study can be used to improve work environments and develop strategies to reduce the risks for staff who work in gross anatomy dissections.