Specifications

2
Formaldehyde is used as a tissue preservative in hospitals as a 10% Formalin solution. This
solution contains formaldehyde (3-4%), methanol (0.5-1.5%), sodium hydroxide (0.1-0.6%),
phosphoric acid (0.1-0.6%) and water (balance). Formaldehyde is a known eye, skin, respiratory
tract irritant and is considered by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH) as a suspected human carcinogen (nasal cancer). It is also designated as a
suspected human carcinogen by the WCB of BC. The International Agency for Research on
Cancer (IARC) stated in 1995 that there is limited evidence in humans that formaldehyde is a
carcinogen, however, there is sufficient evidence in animals. Their overall evaluation was that
formaldehyde is probably carcinogenic to humans.
A study by Korczynski in 1994 examined formaldehyde exposure in the funeral industry. The
findings revealed that exposure to formaldehyde in that profession was intermittent. Also, the
length of time formaldehyde was used and the duration of the procedure was very case specific.
Breathing zone samples taken during embalming of an intact body indicated levels varying from
0.1 ppm to 4.6 ppm with an average of 0.64 ppm. Exposure during autopsy sample preparation
ranged from 0.09 ppm to 3.36 ppm with an average exposure of 0.65 ppm. Environmental air
samples taken during these procedures varied from 0.04 ppm to 6.81 ppm with an average of
0.5 ppm (Korczynski, 1994). Exposures in the funeral industry would be expected to be much
higher than in the dirty core area at LMH where formalin is dispensed in quantities less than
300 mL per aliquot.
A study by Korczynski in 1994 examined formaldehyde exposure in the funeral industry. The
findings revealed that exposure to formaldehyde in that profession was intermittent. Also the
length of time formaldehyde was used and the duration of the procedure was very case specific.
Breathing zone samples taken during embalming of an intact body found levels varying from 0.1
ppm to 4.6 ppm with an average of 0.64 ppm. Exposure during autopsy preparation ranged from
0.09 ppm to 3.36 ppm with an average exposure of 0.65 ppm. Environmental air samples taken
during these procedures varied from 0.04 ppm to 6.81 ppm with an average of 0.5 ppm
(Korczynski, 1994). Exposures in the funeral industry would be expected to be much higher
than in the dirty core at LMH where formalin is dispensed in quantities less than 300 mL.