Acute Effects of Formalin-Treated Cadaver on Nigerian Medical Students

Aims: To determine acute effects of Formalin-Fixed Cadaver (FFC) among Nigerian medical students (MS)
Study design: A cohort study.
Place and Duration of Study: College of Health and Medical Sciences, Universities of Abuja and Maiduguri, Nigeria respectively, between January, 2010 and February, 2011.
Methodology: We conducted a survey of 226 MS for acute effects of FFC on general conditions (feelings), eyes, nasal and skin symptoms on their first and subsequent exposures during gross anatomy dissections. The duration for relieve of bodily symptoms and protective devices used to reduce the effect of formalin on bodily organs were documented.
Results: The most common feelings and symptoms among study cohort on first exposure to FFC include general discomfort 183 (81%), eye irritation/itching 108 (48%) and nasal irritation/itching 113 (50%). By the fifth hour after the first exposure most of the studied MS were relieved of eyes 177 (78%) and nasal 186 (82%) symptoms. On subsequent exposures, most 199 (88%) had no nasal symptoms and many 106 (47%) also had no eye symptoms. However, many still experienced at least mild eye 120 (53%) and nasal 27 (12%) symptoms. Many used bodily protective measures including laboratory coats 86 (38%), hand gloves 78 (35%) and eyes goggles 62 (27%) to reduce/prevent the toxic effects of formalin. Most 197 (87.2%) rated high the benefit of protective measures.
Conclusion: These findings confirmed the irritating actions of FFC on MS. Thus, the concentration of FFC for dissection should be controlled and the exposure time should be limited. User friendly alternative preservative to formalin can be sought. Education of MS on formalin related health hazards ahead of their first exposure and the use of protective measures among them should be highlighted.