Effect of exposure to formaldehyde on the forced vital capacity of medical students: A longitudinal study

Abstract

Background and Aim: Formaldehyde exposure is one of the various occupational hazards experienced by a doctor during his life. There is consistent and regular exposure to formaldehyde during the gross anatomy dissection classes. Since it vaporizes at room temperature, respiratory system is easily affected. The present study was undertaken to assess its effect on forced vital capacity (FVC) of medical students. The aim of this study is to evaluate the FVC of the 1st year medical students after exposure to formaldehyde. Materials and Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted in the Department of Physiology among 1st year MBBS students. The spirometric parameter FVC was recorded in 80 medical students using spirometer RMS Helios 401. Percent predicated values were used for analysis. The baseline values were recorded at the beginning of the academic calendar and followed up at the end of 1st, 6th, and 10th months. Data were analyzed using the SPSS. Descriptive statistics and repeated measures ANOVA was used for the analysis. A value of P