Background:

In anatomical pathology, there are a variety of chemical agents that must be controlled due to their carcinogenic potential, such as formaldehyde (CH2O), Xylene and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness use of purifiers by photocatalysis and freezing systems for the control of exposure levels to CH2O, Xylene and VOCs.

Secondary Objective:

To compare the Formaldehyde measurements among other 3 hospitals in the Community of Madrid.

Methodology:

26 environmental assessments were performed in the Anatomical Pathology Department at the Hospital Universitario de Fuenlabrada (HUF, Madrid), in February 2017 and in March of the same year, after installing the purifiers and the freezing systems in the laboratory and room carved areas. Xylene and VOCs are evaluated using the PID method (Photo-Ionization Detector) and CH2O through a Gas Detection System. As a criterion for assessing exposure to VOCs, isobutylene was used as a reference gas with a VLA-EC of 100 ppm. For Xylene the results were compared with the VLA-EC 100 ppm and for the CH2O with the VLA-EC of 0.3 ppm, established in the guide of “Occupational Exposure Limits for Chemical Agents” from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.

Results:

Previous exposure levels did not exceed the limit values. It was observed that these values decreased after the implementation of collective preventive measures, obtaining statistically significant results: VOCs (p = 0,0002, 95% CI 2,393-5,506), Xylene (P = 0,0002, 95% CI 1,021-2,359) and CH2O (p = 0,0004, 95% CI 0,210-0,350).

Conclusions:

The integrated system of freeze-thawing and photocatalytic purification optimize the exposure control to these chemical agents, canceling emission sources.