Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science

Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Yeungnam University Institute Medical Science (영남대 의대 학술지 편집위원회)
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The effect of formaldehyde on neurobehavioral performance of student during cadaver dissection

해부 실습 시 포름알데히드 노출이 학생들의 신경행동기능에 미치는 영향

  • Sakong, Yong (School of Medicine, Yeungnam University) ;
  • Jo, Hee-Yoon (School of Medicine, Yeungnam University) ;
  • Lee, In-Gook (School of Medicine, Yeungnam University) ;
  • Lee, Kyeong-Soo (Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University) ;
  • Jun, Man-Joong (Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University)
  • 사공용 (영남대학교 의학전문대학원 의학과) ;
  • 조희윤 (영남대학교 의학전문대학원 의학과) ;
  • 이인국 (영남대학교 의학전문대학원 의학과) ;
  • 이경수 (영남대학교 의과대학 예방의학교실) ;
  • 전만중 (영남대학교 의과대학 예방의학교실)
  • Received : 2016.01.27
  • Accepted : 2016.06.28
  • Published : 2016.11.18
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Abstract

Background: Formaldehyde is used to preserve cadaver in medical schools, and students are exposed to formaldehyde during cadaver dissection classes. When humans are exposed to formaldehyde, it induces mucosal inflammation, skin inflammation, and declining of neurobehavioral function including attention and memory executive functions. The purpose of this study is to identify the effects of formaldehyde exposure on student's neurobehavioral performance during cadaver dissection classes. Methods: The level of formaldehyde was measured in a cadaver dissection class. A total of 16 students were randomly divided into two groups. One group wore respiratory protection masks, while the other group did not. Among many subtests in Korean Computerized Neurobehavioral test, backward digit span was tested on all subjects before and after the class. Results: The length of memorized digit span between the two groups was not significant; however there was a greater decrease in neurobehavioral function after formaldehyde exposure in the non-mask group than the mask group. Conclusion: Formaldehyde exposure during cadaver dissection may likely decrease neurobehavioral performance of students. Therefore, proper ventilation system and respiratory protective equipment are necessary to protect medical school students from adverse effects of formaldehyde exposure.

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References

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