Effects of Formalin Inhalation on Physical Characteristics and Renal Profile of Albino Wistar Rats

Background: Formalin exposure is common in our environment. This study assessed the effects of formalin inhalation on renal function and physical features of albino wistar rats.

Materials and Methods: Thirty apparently healthy male albino wistar rats, weighing between 100-160 g, divided into five groups of six rats each were used for this study that lasted for four weeks. Group A, the control group, exposed to ambient air, received normal rat chow and portable water ad libitum, while the test groups B, C, D and E had 2, 4, 6, and 8 hourly daily exposure to formalin respectively via inhalation in the cadaver dissecting hall of the Anatomy laboratory for medical students, in addition to normal rat feed and water ad libitum when not exposed to formalin. Fortnightly, four rats were randomly selected from each group, anaesthetised with chloroform and blood samples collected through cardiac puncture for the analysis of serum electrolytes, urea and creatinine.

Results: Results showed yellow discoloration of the skin, drowsiness, reduced movements and feeding habits in groups C-E when compared with those in groups A and B. The results also showed statistically significant duration of exposure dependent increase in serum concentrations of sodium, potassium, urea and creatinine in test groups C to E after 2 & 4 weeks exposure when compared with control (p<0.05). After 2 weeks exposure, only group E had a significant increase in serum concentrations of chloride and bicarbonate while all test groups except group B had significant elevation after 4 weeks exposure.

Conclusion: Persistent inhalation of formalin may have deleterious effects on the kidney, skin, brain and appetite. We, therefore, recommend that medical students and lecturers, as well as those using Formalin, should have time-limited exposure, well-ventilated rooms, use of less toxic chemicals for embalming as well as a restriction to the utilisation of this chemical as a food preservative, and use of personal protective equipment during procedures.