Peak expiratory flow rate and reaction time analysis in formaldehyde exposed medical technicians and attendants

Abstract

Background: The medical staff personnel technician and attendants working in anatomy dissection and histology labs, histopathology lab, and mortuary are constantly exposed to formaldehyde during routine duty hours, while embalming the body and processing visceral samples. Exposure to formaldehyde at low concentrations may cause health effects, such as watering and burning of eyes, running nose, throat irritation, coughing, wheezing, and skin allergies. Objective: We decided to evaluate peak expiratory flow rate and auditory and visual reaction time in 25 technicians and attendants working in anatomy dissection lab, histology lab, histopathology lab, and mortuary and having occupational work exposure to formaldehyde of 3–5 years for work shift of 6–8 h per day. Materials and Methods: The peak expiratory flow rate was measured using Wright’s peak flow meter and auditory and visual reaction time using response analyzer. The results were compared with age matched non-formaldehyde exposed control subjects. Student’s t-test was carried out to access the statistical significance. Result: The study revealed decrease peak expiratory flow rate and auditory and visual reaction time in the study group. Conclusion: Prolonged formaldehyde exposure leads to altered lung functions and neurobehavioral changes. The better control exhaust system in these labs, use of effective ventilation system, and personal protective device such as face mask and rescheduling duty posting of these personnel’s to non-exposed site is recommended for control of health-related hazards of formaldehyde exposure.