Medical students at Dalhousie University in Halifax will not be utilizing cadavers for anatomy lessons this year due to the closure of the anatomy lab following unsatisfactory air quality assessments. The formaldehyde levels in the lab at the Tupper Building did not meet the province’s standards, as reported by the dean of the faculty of medicine in a detailed communication to the students.
Efforts were made to address the issue by modifying the ventilation system, but subsequent tests confirmed the persistence of the problem. Dr. David Anderson expressed concerns over the situation and mentioned seeking guidance from occupational health and medical professionals.
Dalhousie University declined requests for interviews on the matter. Formaldehyde, a commonly used chemical for preservation and disinfection, was found to exceed the acceptable levels set by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists in Nova Scotia. This was the first formaldehyde testing conducted in a decade, revealing that the acceptable threshold had been reduced in 2017.
Although the recent tests did not meet Nova Scotia’s compliance, they were within previous acceptable limits for Nova Scotia and current standards for New Brunswick. Consequently, Dalhousie has halted work with specimens in all three medical school locations and is conducting air quality evaluations at the Saint John lab.
Students will now learn anatomy through alternative methods such as video tutorials, skeletal materials, and anatomical models, with reassurance from Anderson that the educational objectives will still be met. Long-term solutions being explored include lab renovations and the use of specimens preserved with lower formaldehyde levels.
While the Nova Scotia government is aware of the situation, Dalhousie University is taking the lead in addressing the issue. The university’s human donation program will continue to accept contributions from the Maritimes as plans for the future are being determined.