Formaldehyde is an incredibly useful chemical when it comes to embalming, preserving tissue and slowing decomposition. That said, it’s also a hazardous substance with well-documented health risks. Frequent exposure can cause immediate irritation, long-term health problems, and even increase cancer risk. If you’re keen to keep a safe working environment, it’s important to get a clear understanding of the risks surrounding the substance.
What Are the Immediate Health Effects?
Exposure to formaldehyde in embalming rooms can cause physical reactions straight away. Even at low levels, it can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat of those in close proximity. In higher concentrations, it might also trigger coughing, breathing difficulties, and chest tightness. Skin contact can lead to dermatitis or allergic reactions, particularly if someone experiences prolonged exposure.
Formaldehyde vapours are particularly concerning.
In spaces that have substandard ventilation or air purification, inhalation can quickly cause dizziness and nausea. Sometimes, in more extreme cases, exposure can lead to pulmonary oedema, which is a life-threatening condition where fluid builds up in the lungs.
There Are Long Term Health Risks Too
Repeated, consistent exposure to formaldehyde has actually been linked to some very severe health conditions. It is classified as a known human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). This was following studies suggesting that long-term inhalation of formaldehyde drastically increases the risk of nasopharyngeal cancer and leukaemia.
Chronic exposure can also lead to respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis. Many embalmers report worsening symptoms over time, including persistent coughing and shortness of breath. Some have also experienced prolonged headaches and fatigue due to constant exposure, even at relatively low levels.
Regulatory Limits Have Tried to Minimise Exposure
In response to the health risks of formaldehyde, regulatory bodies have set – and continue to enforce – strict exposure limits. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) enforces a workplace exposure limit (WEL) of 2 parts per million (ppm) over a 15-minute period and 0.5 ppm over eight hours.
Employers are required to monitor air quality and keep exposure within the agreed safe limits. Regular assessments of business practices help to make sure that embalmers and others using formaldehyde aren’t exposed to hazardous concentrations for extended periods.
How Formaldehyde Exposure Happens
In an embalming room, formaldehyde exposure occurs in a few different ways.
Inhalation
The primary risk comes from vapours released during the preparation and injection of embalming fluids.
Skin Contact
Handling embalming solutions without proper protective equipment can lead to irritation and chemical burns.
Accidental Spills
Formaldehyde can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled when spills occur, particularly if ventilation is poor.
Ventilation is Key to Minimise Risk
Proper ventilation is one of – if not the – most effective ways to reduce formaldehyde exposure. Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems remove airborne contaminants before they spread. They work by capturing formaldehyde fumes at the source, which massively reduces the concentration of air in the area.
Above: VODEX’s upcoming embalmer extraction unit.
To be as effective as possible, ventilation systems should:
- Be positioned close to the embalming table to capture fumes immediately.
- Be regularly maintained and checked for efficiency.
- Operate continuously during procedures to prevent build-up.
Air Purifiers Add Another Layer of Protection
High-quality units with activated carbon and HEPA filters are excellent at capturing formaldehyde particles as well as other harmful airborne contaminants. They’re especially useful in older embalming rooms where ventilation might not be quite as effective.
The Proper Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
LEV systems and air purifiers are powerful ways to reduce exposure, but making sure you have PPE – and use it properly – is still essential.
What does proper PPE include?
- Gloves: Nitrile gloves tend to provide better resistance to chemicals than latex or vinyl.
- Aprons and Gowns: Fluid-resistant, long-sleeved protective clothing prevents skin contact.
- Eye Protection: Safety goggles or face shields prevent splashes from reaching the eyes.
- Respirators: Where ventilation is inadequate, a respirator with formaldehyde-rated filters should be used.
Make Sure You’re Practicing Safe Handling and Storage
Open containers release fumes into the workspace. Keeping embalming fluid bottles sealed when not in use prevents unnecessary exposure. Beyond this, always add embalming chemicals to water, not the other way around, as this can reduce vapour release. Any formaldehyde spills should be cleaned immediately using appropriate neutralising agents. Absorbent pads and PPE should always be used when handling spills.
Looking to Protect Your Staff from Formaldehyde Exposure
At VODEX, we provide advanced fume extraction and air purification systems designed to protect professionals from hazardous airborne substances like formaldehyde. Our solutions help embalmers maintain compliance with safety regulations and reduce exposure risks in the workplace.
Browse our full range, or get in touch with our team if you have any questions. We can help you create a safer working environment.
FAQs
How can I tell if my ventilation system is effective?
If formaldehyde fumes linger in the air or cause irritation even with the system running, it may not be functioning properly. A professional air quality test can determine its effectiveness.
Do air purifiers completely eliminate formaldehyde?
No, but they significantly reduce its concentration. When used alongside good ventilation and safe handling practices, they help maintain safer air quality.
Can wearing a mask reduce my exposure to formaldehyde?
Yes, but only if it is a respirator with a formaldehyde-rated filter. Standard face masks do not provide sufficient protection against formaldehyde vapours.
How often should I check formaldehyde exposure levels?
Regular testing is recommended, ideally every few months or whenever ventilation systems are serviced or modified.
Are there any embalming fluids that don’t contain formaldehyde?
Yes, but they may not preserve bodies as effectively. Some funeral homes are experimenting with alternative solutions, though formaldehyde remains the industry standard.
