In-depth survey report: evaluation of a ventilation system to control formaldehyde exposures during embalming at Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Source
Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, ECTB 173-04b, 1990 Dec; :1-18
Abstract
The goal of this study was to develop and evaluate local exhaust ventilation controls which will reduce the embalmer's exposure to formaldehyde (50000). The Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science had three tables set up for conducting embalmings. Two of the tables were in a large room which serves as a laboratory for the students. The third was located in an isolation room and was used primarily for suspected infectious cases. All the embalmings conducted for this study were conducted in the isolation room and all involved noninfectious bodies. The local exhaust ventilation system developed for the mortuary consisted of 6 foot slot hoods on either side of the embalming table. Of the 32 personal samples taken, the formaldehyde concentration of five samples showed a concentration of 1 part per million. The author recommends that a local exhaust ventilation system similar to the design tested here be installed permanently in the isolation room and on the other tables in the main embalming laboratory.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Survey; Field-Study; Region-5; Ventilation-systems; Air-quality-control; Control-technology; Infection-control
Document Type
Field Studies; Control Technology
NTIS Accession No.
PB91-169375
Identifying No.
ECTB-173-04b
Priority Area
Control-technology
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
