본문 바로가기
  • Home
Basic Search

Residual Contamination Management in Anatomy Labs: A Three-Zone Approach

  • Anatomy & Biological Anthropology
  • Abbr : Anat Biol Anthropol
  • 2026, 39(2), pp.81~87
  • DOI : 10.11637/aba.2026.39.2.81
  • Publisher : 대한체질인류학회
  • Research Area : Medicine and Pharmacy > Anatomy
  • Received : May 11, 2026
  • Accepted : June 10, 2026
  • Published : June 30, 2026

Jae-Hwan Lee 1,  Yong-Seok Nam 1,  JUNG SOO JUNG ORD ID 2

1경북대학교 의과대학 해부학교실
2대전대학교 한의과대학 해부학교실

Accredited

ABSTRACT

Anatomy laboratory practice is an essential component of medical and healthcare education, in which various chemical agents such as formalin, ethanol, and glycerin are commonly used for cadaver preservation. Although these substances are generally used at relatively low concentrations, repeated exposure in enclosed laboratory environments may cause residual contamination on clothing, skin, and equipment surfaces, potentially leading to continuous inhalation or contact exposure even after laboratory sessions. In particular, formaldehyde, the major component of formalin, is classified as a hazardous chemical and a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), raising concerns regarding long-term repeated exposure. This study reviewed the exposure characteristics and residual contamination risks associated with lowconcentration formalin-based preservation solutions used in anatomy laboratories and explored the applicability of a three-zone management system (Hot Zone, Warm Zone, and Cold Zone) as a spatial safety management strategy. Through a narrative review of previous literature and industrial safety management systems, major exposure pathways and potential risk factors in anatomy laboratory environments were analyzed. The review suggests that even low-level exposure may contribute to cumulative exposure when combined with repeated exposure and residual contamination, potentially resulting in secondary exposure to surrounding individuals and environments. Therefore, safety management in anatomy laboratories should extend beyond personal protective equipment to include decontamination procedures and space-based control systems. In conclusion, the three-zone management system may serve as a practical strategy for reducing residual contamination and secondary exposure risks in anatomy laboratory environments.

Statistics

  • 54 Viewed
  • 28 Downloaded

Tools

Issue List

Citation status

* References for papers published after 2025 are currently being built.

Basic Search Advanced Search