Effect of Formaldehyde on Pulmonary Parameters in Medical Students – An observational study
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Abstract
Background:Formaldehyde is extensively used in Department of Anatomy for preservation of biological specimens as well as cadavers. Formaldehyde being a noxious chemical may cause respiratory health problems among 1st year medical students.
Objective:The following study was planned to observe the effect of formaldehyde vapours on respiratory parameters – FVC, FEV1 and FEV1% of 1st year MBBS students who are routinely exposed to formalin vapours.
Methodology:Randomly selected fifty medical students [Mean (SD) age of 18.94 (0.65) years] were assessed within 1week of admission to college and re-examined at intervals of 1 month and 6 months. Similarly fifty nursing and para-medical students who were not exposed to formaldehyde were selected and readings were taken at same intervals. Data was entered in Microsoft Excel and was analysed using Epi Info software version 7.
Results:There was a decrease in FVC and FEV1. There was an increase in FEV1% values (on comparing values after 6 months with that of baseline values) in MBBS students on comparing with para-medical students.