Don’t tell me how to run my lab! A case study on formaldehyde exposure in a research laboratory (Learning Lab 50m)

Formaldehyde is a colorless, odorless gas at room temperature. It is most frequently used in research laboratories as an aqueous solution of 37% to 50% concentration, with 6% to 15% methanol added as a stabilizer. Formaldehyde was declared to be a human carcinogen in 2006 by the WHO, and in 2011 by the U.S. National Toxicology Program.  The Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) regulates workplace exposure to formaldehyde. The authors describe a case study seeking to reduce formaldehyde exposure among researchers at a mid-sized, Midwestern research university, specifically in a wildlife research laboratory which used formaldehyde solutions as a sample preservative. Previous sampling indicated unacceptably high exposure levels in the lab, with researchers complaining of symptoms of coughing, sore throats, scratchy eyes, and skin irritation. The authors held a series of meetings with the researchers and conducted laboratory work observations. The requirements of the OSHA standard were explained to the researchers, and a number of alternative work practices were suggested. The pros and cons of alternative chemical preservatives were discussed; appropriate exposure sampling methods were described to researchers; and choices of personal protective equipment were offered. Researchers made all final decisions regarding changes in storage and use of formaldehyde, and assisted in developing required training programs, written plans, and signs. Following implementation of the chosen remedies, monitoring indicated significant reduction of researchers’ exposure to formaldehyde. Key to the process was allowing the researchers to assume ownership of the problem and solutions, rather than imposing rigid administrative mandates.