US EPA

1986504 

Journal Article 

A Pragmatic Approach to Formalin Safety in Anatomical Pathology 

Dimenstein, IB 

2009 

1 

Laboratory Medicine
ISSN: 0007-5027
EISSN: 1943-7730 

40 

12 

740-746 

10.1309/LMQ1HJFD4UN0WWBP 

WOS:000271989500008 

https://academic.oup.com/labmed/article-lookup/doi/10.1309/LMQ1HJFD4UN0WWBP
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Formaldehyde exposure is a safety concern in anatomical
pathology, and it is considered a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer
(IARC). The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) determined a set of regulations
for formaldehyde industrial and laboratory use. There are no clinical and epidemiological data on
increased morbidity or mortality from cancer among workers in the histology laboratory, where a
10% formalin or 4% formaldehyde water solution is used, Nevertheless, a certain set of monitoring
and working practices is required to prevent adverse health effects. Based on the literature and
personal experience, this article presents recommendations for handling adverse situations of
formalin use in anatomical pathology. There is an emphasis on spills, clean up, and splashes.
Regular monitoring of formaldehyde exposure, appropriate engineering controls, and the culture of
professional laboratory work can help to employ formalin, the ubiquitous fixative in anatomical
pathology, without harmful effects.