Air Quality Risks in Pathology Labs

How Fume Extraction Makes Pathology Safer

The ability to scientifically uncover disease and medical conditions begins in a pathology laboratory. Consider the scope of maladies that pathologists hope to expose: cancer, bacterial infections such as E. coli, and viral diseases such as HIV, metabolic conditions such as diabetes, and autoimmune diseases like lupus. Without pathology labs, it would be nearly impossible to diagnose a patient or unearth hidden disease. And yet, despite the medical research lab technicians employ, their own health is compromised by a mix of chemical and biological hazards within their workplaces.

This is why it is crucial that pathology labs maintain clean and unpolluted indoor air for their workers.

Pathology Defined

As the branch of medical science that focuses on the source and nature of disease, pathology aims to diagnose and find answers to medical questions surrounding a deceased person or animal. Human and veterinary pathologists study tissues, fluids, and organs, and perform autopsies to determine the cause of death.

Presently, there are eight principal areas of pathology:

• Anatomical
• Chemical (biochemistry)
• Clinical
• Hematology
• General
• Genetics
• Immunology
• Microbiology

No matter the pathology discipline, all are potentially affected by toxic emissions in the laboratory.

Air Quality Concerns in Pathology

A mix of biological and chemical hazards exists across the board in pathology. Pathology technicians come into contact with laboratory contaminants that can present an occupational risk in most disciplines.

Contaminants can include airborne particulate matter and fumes from chemical pollutants such as VOCs (volatile organic compounds), carbon dioxide, or formaldehyde. Biological emissions from allergens, bacteria, viruses, and molds also create indoor air pollution.

Knowing the risks within each discipline is an important first step in protecting workers from harm.

Occupational Highlight

Anatomical pathology examines cells and tissues for diagnostic purposes. Histopathology, a subspecialty of anatomical pathology, studies tissue disease by examining cells and tissues under a microscope. An essential step in histopathology is clearing, which removes alcohols from tissues using xylene in order to render the tissue sample transparent. Xylene, a colorless, flammable liquid, is used in a variety of other ways in a histopathology lab and is valued for its usefulness.

Using xylene, however, poses certain risks as it is an aromatic hydrocarbon that vaporizes into the air. Though it is of great industrial and medical value, it is a VOC that can cause serious health problems if inhaled.

Health Risks from Poor Indoor Air Quality

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the presence of VOCs in the workplace can cause harm if not eliminated or contained. 

VOC exposure can cause serious health problems, such as:

• Eye, nose, and throat irritation
• Muscle weakness
• Headache, dizziness
• Memory loss
• Nausea, vomiting 
• Nosebleed, allergic skin reaction
• Difficulty breathing
• Liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage
• Fatigue
• Dizziness, unconsciousness

Many factors will affect the extent and nature of one’s reaction to toxic emissions, including the level of contact and length of time exposed.

IAQ Solutions

To mitigate occupational health risks stemming from VOCs in pathology labs, businesses should implement safety measures that include:

Ventilation and Air Cleaning: Proper airflow and cleaning systems should be in place to ensure that VOCs are removed and replaced with clean air.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Workers affected by toxic emissions should regularly use gloves, safety goggles, and respiratory protection.

IAQ Monitoring: Regular monitoring of air quality in the workplace can help identify and address potential exposure issues.

Administrators in charge of pathology labs must protect their workers from harmful VOC emissions by implementing a comprehensive indoor air quality plan. Additionally, consulting with an IAQ specialist and using fume extraction and air cleaning products is advised to help ensure facility and worker safety.

For nearly forty years, AIR Systems, Inc. has provided top-quality products for our customers’ air cleaning needs. We serve our clientele concerned with toxic emissions by providing IAQ products such as our Extract-All® SP987-2 Portable Air Cleaner. Contact us today for a free air quality assessment by one of our skilled and experienced indoor air quality specialists.