Cancer Risk Assessment of Formaldehyde Exposure via Inhalation among Autopsy Staffs

Abstract

Background: Autopsy staffs are employees at risk for formaldehyde exposure, classified as a human carcinogen that may affect to their long-term health. Objective: This research was to determine the cancer risk assessment of formaldehyde exposure among autopsy staffs. Methods: Data were collected from 42 staffs who worked in 16 government hospitals in Bangkok. Data collection composed of 1) Formaldehyde exposure was collected in breathing zone of the staffs via personal air sampling technique for a full period of work. The formaldehyde concentration was analyzed using a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), accordance to NIOSH Manual of Analytical Method number 2016 and 2) The data collection was performed using questionnaires regarding personal demographics and working characteristics. The cancer risk assessment of formaldehyde exposure was conduct according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA). Results: the average of formaldehyde exposure via inhalation of the staffs was 0.034 mg/m3 (0.002-0.200 mg/m3). The current average cancer risk was 1.97x10^-4 and the estimated average cancer risk at the retirement age was 5.04x10^-4. The both of cancer risk are an unacceptable level according to U.S.EPA recommendation. Conclusion: To reduce the risk of adverse affects on the health of the autopsy staff. Preventive measures should be provide such as adequate ventilation, improvement of technique or work procedure to reduce formaldehyde exposure and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment during work with formaldehyde.