| Document ID (ISN) | 66211 |
| CIS number |
96-252 |
| ISSN - Serial title |
1047-322X - Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene |
| Year |
1994 |
| Convention or series no. |
|
| Author(s) |
Korczynski R.E. |
| Title |
Formaldehyde exposure in the funeral industry |
| Bibliographic information |
Aug. 1994, Vol.9, No.8, p.575-579. 29 ref. |
| Abstract |
An assessment of formaldehyde exposure was conducted at 36 embalmings in 18 funeral chapels in Manitoba, Canada. The occupational exposure limit is defined by the American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists' threshold limit value-ceiling of 0.37mg/m3 (0.3ppm). Personal exposures of embalmers during an intact body preparation (<1 hour) ranged from 0.12 to 5.64mg/m3. During an autopsy preparation (<2 hours>), exposures ranged from 0.11 to 4.13mg/m3. Concentration for area samples ranged from 0.05 to 8.37mg/m3. Health effects identified by some embalmers included irritation of the mucous membranes and chest tightness. Most embalmers are immunized with the hepatitis B vaccine. Universal precautions against infectious agents were not strictly adhered to in most embalmings. An upgrading of engineering controls, improved work practices, and use of personal protective equipment was required in the majority of chapels. |
| Descriptors (primary) |
formaldehyde; funeral services; embalming |
| Descriptors (secondary) |
threshold limit values; air sampling; permissible levels |
| Document type |
D - Periodical articles |
| Country / State or Province | Canada |
| Subject(s) |
Toxic and dangerous substances
|
| Broad subject area(s) |
Chemical safety
|
| Browse category(ies) |
Aldehydes
Funeral services
|
