Laboratory Atmospheric Levels of Formaldehyde in Selected Laboratories used by Medical Students in a Tertiary Institution in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted to measure the laboratory atmospheric levels of formaldehyde in selected laboratories used by medical students in a tertiary institution in Edo state, Nigeria during the course of their medical training using a formaldehyde gas meter (EXTECH FM 200) ensuring that the laboratories served as the test groups while the lecture theatre served as the control. Data obtained from this study shows that medical students are exposed to various levels of formaldehyde in the different laboratories (Anatomy laboratory 1.71±0.11ppm; Histopathology laboratory 1.96±0.02ppm; Medical Biochemistry laboratory 0.07±0.003ppm and Physiology laboratory 0.05±0.002ppm) and these values are above the recommended limit prescribed by standard organizations. Hence, it was therefore concluded that measures should be taken to ensure reduction of formaldehyde air levels in the Anatomy and Histopathology laboratories in order to protect the medical students from the harmful effect of formaldehyde.