Medical students at Dalhousie University in Halifax will not be using cadavers to learn anatomy this year due to the closure of the anatomy lab following failed air quality tests. The formaldehyde levels in the lab did not meet provincial standards, prompting the dean of the faculty of medicine to inform students through a detailed letter.
Efforts to address the issue by adjusting the ventilation system were unsuccessful, leading to a second round of failed tests. Dr. David Anderson, in his communication to students, acknowledged the raised concerns and mentioned seeking ongoing guidance from occupational health and medical experts.
Formaldehyde, a colorless and pungent chemical, can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation even at low levels. It is a known carcinogen used as a preservative and disinfectant, with potential release from various sources like cigarettes, fireplaces, and vehicles.
The formaldehyde testing revealed that the levels at the Tupper Building laboratory did not comply with Nova Scotia’s current standards set by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. The province had reduced the acceptable threshold in 2017, with the regulations allowing 0.1 parts per million compared to the previous 0.3 ppm threshold.
Although the recent tests did not meet Nova Scotia’s standards, they were within the previous thresholds of Nova Scotia and current thresholds of New Brunswick. Operations with specimens have ceased at all three medical school sites, with air quality assessments underway at the Saint John facility.
To continue anatomy education, students will utilize video resources, skeletal materials, and anatomical models. Dr. Anderson assured that these alternative methods would fulfill the learning objectives. Long-term solutions under consideration include laboratory renovations and the use of specimens preserved with lower formaldehyde levels.
Dalhousie University is handling the situation, with the Nova Scotia government aware of the issue. The school’s human donation program remains active while decisions on the next steps are made.
