Abstract

PENALVER PAOLINI, M.A. et al. Is it possible to control Formalheyde?. Rev Asoc Esp Espec Med Trab [online]. 2016, vol.25, n.4, pp.204-210. ISSN 3020-1160.

Formaldehyde is widely used in Pathology to set and store samples. From January 1, 2016 this agent was classified as carcinogen, so it is important to risk assessment to such exposure. Objective: To demonstrate the effectiveness of preventive measures to reduce exposure to formaldehyde in rooms carved Laboratory of Pathology. Methodology: We made an environmental assessment of formaldehyde exposure in the room carved from Hospital Universitario de Fuenlabrada, in the jobs of technician and pathologist, in 2008 and later in 2012 after preventive measures. The sampling method was followed NIOSH Method 2016 Determination of Formaldehyde in Air. Absorption method silica gel treated with 2,4- dinitrophenylhydrazine and the results were compared with the Environmental Exposure Limit Value Short (STEL: 0.37 mg /m³) established in the guide "Occupational Exposure Limits for Chemical Agents "National Institute for Safety and Health at Work. Results: the exposure index in 2012 after increasing ventilation (22 air changes per hour in room carved and 15 air changes per hour in store samples) and perform independent storage localized extraction is a geometric mean (GM) 0.5 being the acceptable value. Conclusions: General ventilation and separate storage are preventive measures with great impact, however recommended to control such exposure is the substitution of formaldehyde by another product of lower toxicity and subsequent changes in work procedures that this entails.

Keywords : Formaldehyde; occupational exposure; Pathology; preventive mesaures; efectiveness.

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