Author(s):
1. Dragan Adamovic, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Department for Production Engineering, Serbia
2. Mirjana Vojinović Miloradov, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Department for Production Engineering, Serbia
3. Savka Adamovic, Fakultet tehničkih nauka Univerziteta u Novom Sadu, Serbia
4. Jelena Radonic, Fakultet tehničkih nauka Univerziteta u Novom Sadu, Serbia
5. Maja Turk Sekulic, Fakultet tehničkih nauka Univerziteta u Novom Sadu, Serbia
6. Boris Obrovski, Fakultet tehničkih nauka Univerziteta u Novom Sadu, Serbia

Abstract:
The dissection of human cadavers is an irreplaceable practice in general training of medical students and doctors in specialist training, in conducting a research on fundamental anatomical and pathological phenomena, and in the improvement of diagnostic and therapeutic methods. Cadavers in anatomy laboratories are usually preserved by using formalin, an embalming fluid which contains formaldehyde as a principal component. Formaldehyde (FA) is a colourless, water-soluble gas with a pungent odour, ubiquitous in the environment and naturally generated by processes that involve the combustion of organic materials. Levels reported in workplace air often exceed permissible exposure limits and preventive measures are often insufficient, which causes a problem in occupational health. Occupational exposure to FA occurs in a wide variety of occupations and industries, however the highest level of human exposure to FA occurs in occupational settings in anatomy and pathology laboratories. The main purpose of this paper was to point to the dangers of inhalation exposure to formaldehyde of students, teaching and non-teaching staff that resides on the premises of the Anatomy Department. Experimental measurements in this paper were carried out at the premises of the Department of Anatomy. The air sampling has been conducted by using PRO EKOS 401-x air sampler. The samples have been analyzed by using the UV/VIS spectrophotometer DR 5000 HACH LANGE. The formaldehyde concentration levels detected during campaign of measurements have very often exceeded the values recommended by international expert organizations, primely the threshold limit value–ceiling of 0.3 ppm set by the ACGIH and the time weighted average concentration of 0.75 ppm set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Concentrations of FA in this research were in range from 0.03 to 19.80 ppm.

Key words:
formaldehyde,occupational exposure,anatomy laboratory

Thematic field:
Environmental Engineering

Date of abstract submission:
08.07.2016.

Conference:
XI Savjetovanje hemičara, tehnologa i ekologa Republike Srpske

Final paper