Formaldehyde Fume Exposure Pattern in Anatomic Pathology Laboratories in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Formaldehyde, widely utilized in anatomic pathology laboratories, has been classified as a carcinogen, yet its exposure patterns in laboratory practice in Nigeria has been scarcely studied. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate exposure patterns in selected anatomic pathology laboratories in Nigeria. Method: Four laboratories from northern parts of Nigeria were selected for the study. The short-term exposure limits/levels (STEL) in parts per million (ppm) were calculated for 15-minute intervals for the period of surgical cut-up daily for 5-working days. Average values for each laboratory were then documented. Result: The average STEL ranged from as low as 0.002 ppm to as high as 1.6 ppm in the laboratories studied and was influenced by concentration of formaldehyde used in specimen preservation, and to some degree, ambient temperature, and humidity during surgical cut-up. Conclusion: There is a need for anatomic pathology laboratories to constantly monitor the levels of formaldehyde emissions in their workspaces and the need to educate clients of the laboratory on the ideal formaldehyde concentration for tissue fixation and the dangers of concentrated formaldehyde usage.