G2 Tests Formaldehyde Levels in Anatomy Class Offered at Local University

While some gasses are odorless, formaldehyde is a strong-smelling, colorless gas classified as a human carcinogen by the Department of Health and Human Services and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Teachers and students who handle biological specimens, healthcare professionals, and medical lab technicians are considered high risk of formaldehyde exposure according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

For three professors at a local university, previous data indicated they were exposed to concentrations of formaldehyde above the OR-OSHA Action Level (AL) in an anatomy class. As a result, additional monitoring had to occur every six months until the exposure levels were below the OR-OSHA AL. The university requested an industrial hygiene assessment from G2 to retest and see if they had resolved the issue.

By closely monitoring the three instructors exposed to formaldehyde, a G2 certified industrial hygienist can predict the risks and collect samples to compare exposure levels to the OR-OSHA AL, Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL), and OSHA Short-Term Exposure Limit. OSHA defines the PEL as 1 ppm (8-hour time-weighted average) and the Short-Term Exposure limit as 5 ppm (15-minute average).

If you suspect formaldehyde is present in your workplace, the only way to know it’s there is to test for it. After every sample collection, G2 provides the client with test results from an accredited lab and strategic methods designed to ensure continued health and safety of employees.

Read the case study to see what G2 recommended so faculty and students could continue to operate safely in the anatomy class.