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Effectiveness of various methods of formaldehyde neutralization using monoethanolamine
1Student, School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas.
Clinical Anatomy (New York, N.Y.)
|April 3, 2015
Summary
Compartment injection of monoethanolamine (MEA) effectively neutralizes formaldehyde in embalmed cadavers when used post-embalming. This method offers a viable solution for reducing formaldehyde exposure in anatomical donation programs.
Area of Science:
- Anatomical Sciences
- Toxicology
- Embalming Science
Background:
- Formaldehyde is a common fixative for human cadavers but is a known carcinogen.
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates formaldehyde exposure levels.
- Many anatomical donation programs do not neutralize formaldehyde in embalmed bodies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of post-embalming techniques for formaldehyde neutralization.
- To compare different methods of applying monoethanolamine (MEA) for formaldehyde reduction.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-four donor bodies were divided into four groups (six per group).
- Three experimental groups received MEA solution via recannulization, compartment injection, or wetting solution.
- A control group received no treatment.
Main Results:
- Spray bottle application of MEA was ineffective.
- Recannulization and compartment injection showed decreased formaldehyde levels.
- Compartment injection of MEA solution was the most effective neutralization method (P < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Compartment injection of MEA is a highly effective post-embalming method for formaldehyde neutralization.
- This technique is a valuable option when MEA is not used during the initial embalming process.
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