Objectives : This study aimed at evaluation of the discomfort level produced by formalin vapors on medical students during the daily dissection schedule. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in two medical faculties, Ain Shams University (general) and Misr University (private). It explored the effects of exposure of the students of both faculties to the vapors of embalming fluids containing different concentrations of formaldehyde and related symptoms. Results:. Higher prevalence of irritation : Itching,soreness of skin and GIT symptoms was found among Ain Shams University students exposed to higher concentration of Formaldehyde and the difference was highly statistically significant.
Conclusion: Considering the severity of the toxic symptoms caused by formaldehydefumes the need of a standardized embalming fluid that has a lesser concentration of formaldehyde. The lesser concentration of formaldehyde will in turn reduce the toxic effects and the other chemicals that are used like surgical spirit, glycerine and carbolic
acid will help in maintaining a good preservation of the cadavers.