From:
James Saccardo <00002534240fdb40-dmarc-request**At_Symbol_Here**LISTS.PRINCETON.EDU>
Subject:
Re: [DCHAS-L] Formaldehyde Exposure in Anatomy Teaching Labs
Date:
Apr 17, 2026 16:33 UTC
Reply-To:
ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU>
Message-ID:
<DS0PR14MB5541E57D50896FBA22791880A2202**At_Symbol_Here**DS0PR14MB5541.namprd14.prod.outlook.com>
In-Reply-To:
<CH0PR11MB5491E3703C8A3BB806340FF1C7232**At_Symbol_Here**CH0PR11MB5491.namprd11.prod.outlook.com>
Have you tried to eliminate the hazard, say … try to source specimens that may be fixed in formaldehyde, but them preserved in something with a propensity to be less hazardous and NOT have an OSHA standard.
Check Carolina Biologicals, they have individually vacuum packed brains in their proprietary CaroSafe solution or you can by them by the bucket in CaroSafe. Wards biological has a similar formaldehyde free preservative called WardsSafe.
They have other specimens too.
Be well and good luck.
From: ACS Division of Chemical Health and Safety <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU>
On Behalf Of Chandra Man Karki
Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2026 6:51 PM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**PRINCETON.EDU
Subject: [DCHAS-L] Formaldehyde Exposure in Anatomy Teaching Labs
* External Sender - Proceed Cautiously with Links and Attachments. *
Hello Safety world,
I am reaching out to gather insight on how your institutions manage formaldehyde/formalin exposure in teaching laboratory settings, specifically anatomy or brain dissection labs.
Case Example: A teaching lab conducts brain dissections using specimens preserved
in approximately 10% formalin.
Do you have any institutional policies or guidance on managing exposures in this type of setting?
-Chandra
Chandra Man Karki, M.S.
Chemical Safety Officer (CSO)
Office of Research Safety, University of Chicago
researchsafety.uchicago.edu
920 E. 58th St, CLSC 145, Chicago, IL 60637
Office Ph: (773) 702-5907
“Safety isn’t expensive, it’s priceless”- Jerry Smith
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