ISSN: 2456-1800 | A double-blind peer-reviewed, open-access international journal
RESEARCH ARTICLE Vol. 1 | Issue 1 | 2026

Formalin Exposure in Anatomy Laboratories: Health Risks and Integrated Modern-Ayurvedic Preventive Strategies

Anop Singh , Dr. Gayatri Kalyanwat, Dr. Pankaj jain

Formalin (aqueous formaldehyde solution) is ubiquitously employed in anatomy laboratories worldwide as a cadaveric preservative. Despite its practical utility, formalin poses substantial health hazards to medical students, faculty, and laboratory personnel through inhalation, dermal contact, and ocular exposure. Even at low concentrations of 0.1–2.7 ppm, formaldehyde causes significant mucous membrane irritation, with higher exposures associated with pulmonary edema, sensitization, and carcinogenesis [1,2,3]. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) classify formaldehyde as a probable human carcinogen, with no established safe threshold. This article reviews the physicochemical properties of formalin, documents observed health effects in anatomy dissection settings, outlines evidence-based modern preventive strategies including engineering controls, personal protective equipment (PPE), and administrative measures, and proposes an integrated approach incorporating validated Ayurvedic therapies — including Yashtimadhu (licorice), Anu Taila nasal oil, Nasyam therapy, and rasayana herbs — as adjunctive protective strategies [11,14,15,21]. The synthesis presented here aims to inform institutional policy and provide a holistic framework for minimizing occupational formalin-related morbidity in anatomy laboratory settings.

Formalin formaldehyde anatomy laboratory occupational exposure Ayurveda Yashtimadhu Nasyam cadaver dissection carcinogen preventive strategies.
HOW TO CITE
Anop Singh , Dr. Gayatri Kalyanwat, Dr. Pankaj jain (2026). Formalin Exposure in Anatomy Laboratories: Health Risks and Integrated Modern-Ayurvedic Preventive Strategies. International Journal of Ayurveda Orientation, 1(1), 357-371.
Anop Singh , Dr. Gayatri Kalyanwat, Dr. Pankaj jain. "Formalin Exposure in Anatomy Laboratories: Health Risks and Integrated Modern-Ayurvedic Preventive Strategies." International Journal of Ayurveda Orientation, vol. 1, no. 1, 2026, pp. 357-371.
Anop et al. Formalin Exposure in Anatomy Laboratories: Health Risks and Integrated Modern-Ayurvedic Preventive Strategies. International Journal of Ayurveda Orientation 2026;1(1):357-371.