Formaldehyde is one of the most important basic chemical substances in industry and medicine. In medical areas such as pathology, human and veterinary anatomy, formaldehyde is used, among other things, for the fixation, preservation and storage of human or animal tissue or body donations due to its property of rapidly denaturing proteins and bringing about uniform tissue hardening.
Studies in a number of anatomical institutes showed that some formaldehyde exposures were above the OEL. The AGW was exceeded both when fixing the body donations and in the anatomical practicals of the students.
To reduce the formaldehyde concentration in these work areas, technical measures to reduce exposure are essential.
This paper gives information on the topic.
Level of Education: Higher education
Lead Organisation: German Accident Insurance DGUV
