Effects of Short-Term Formalin Exposure on Serum Magnesium and Zinc Levels among Students at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Formalin remains the conventional fixative for cadaver preservation in medical education and is extensively used during anatomical dissections. Despite its utility, formalin exposure poses potential health risks to medical students, particularly through mechanisms involving oxidative stress and disruption of essential mineral balance.

Objectives: This study assessed the effect of short-term (3-hour) formalin exposure on serum magnesium and zinc levels among medical students at Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 90 participants aged 18–35 years, comprising 45 formalin-exposed medical students from the College of Health Sciences, Nnewi, and 45 unexposed controls. Blood samples from exposed students were collected after a 3-hour cadaveric dissection, while control samples were obtained without formalin exposure. Serum magnesium and zinc were measured using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry, and blood pressure was assessed with a standard sphygmomanometer. Data were analysed using independent t-tests and Pearson’s correlation, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Mean serum magnesium and zinc levels were significantly lower in the exposed group [Mg: 3.46 ± 1.21 ppm; Zn: 0.30 ± 0.11 ppm] compared with the control group [Mg: 6.31 ± 1.70 ppm; Zn: 0.64 ± 0.18 ppm] (p < 0.05). Although systolic blood pressure was higher among exposed students, the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). No significant correlation was observed between serum magnesium levels and diastolic blood pressure.

Conclusion: The results showed decreased serum zinc and magnesium levels, which may imply that short-term formalin exposure disrupts mineral homeostasis and predisposes exposed students to micronutrient deficiencies.