Review Article: Toxic Effects of Some Reagents Used in Electron Microscopy and Histochemistry

Abstract

Ultrathin sections prepared for electron microscopy and histochemistry are indispensable in cytological, histological and histochemical studies. The paper discusses the various reagents used in these fields of study. Unfortunately, these reagents and chemicals are hazardous to health. There is wisdom in informing the users of these reagents and chemicals, of the most recent findings bearing on their toxicity as well as suggesting the safety precautions to be taken in the use of these toxic reagents. In this review, a survey of published data on their toxic nature is presented.

Key words: electronmicroscopy, osmic acid, formaldehyde, araldite, epoxy resin, stains

Journal of Medical Laboratory Science Vol.13(1) 2004: 1 - 10