Attempts for reducing formaldehyde concentration in a preparation room for surgical specimen

Abstract

Formaldehyde (FA) is known to be toxic to humans as an irritant of the skin, conjunctiva and respiratory epithelium, a cause of psychic symptoms, and a carcinogen. However, not much care has not been given to FA concentration in a preparation room for surgical specimen. Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare tightened the FA-regulations in March 2008. FA concentration in our preparation room for surgical specimen was occasionally above the maximal required value (0.1 ppm). The causes of high FA-concentration were as follows：1) insufficient gas exhaust system, 2) non-localized manipulation of FA, 3) narrow working space making the working time long, 4) incomplete seal of the specimen box containing FA. Following measures were conducted in reducing FA concentration in the room：1) improvement of gas exhaust system including increased power of the exhaust fan and introduction of intensive exhaust system on the FA desk, 2) restricting FA manipulation at only close proximity to the intensive exhaust system, 3) widening of the working space allowing shortened working time, 4) new completely sealed box for surgical specimen. Based on these measures, FA concentration less than 0.01 ppm (one-tenth the maximal required value) was recorded. Our attempts for reducing FA concentration in a preparation room for surgical specimen were successful and may protect surgeons from FA toxicity.