Inhalation of Formalin Vapors during Gestation: Effects on Placental Integrity and Fetal Viability in Rats
Archana Mahapatra *
Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rajiv Gandhi South Campus, Banaras Hindu University, Barkachha, Mirzapur, 231001, (Uttar Pradesh), India.
Jigyasa Rana
Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rajiv Gandhi South Campus, Banaras Hindu University, Barkachha, Mirzapur, 231001, (Uttar Pradesh), India.
Satish K. Pathak
Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rajiv Gandhi South Campus, Banaras Hindu University, Barkachha, Mirzapur, 231001, (Uttar Pradesh), India.
Sanjay Kumar Ravi
Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rajiv Gandhi South Campus, Banaras Hindu University, Barkachha, Mirzapur, 231001, (Uttar Pradesh), India.
Manish Kumar
Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rajiv Gandhi South Campus, Banaras Hindu University, Barkachha, Mirzapur, 231001, (Uttar Pradesh), India.
Sarvan Kumar
Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rajiv Gandhi South Campus, Banaras Hindu University, Barkachha, Mirzapur, 231001, (Uttar Pradesh), India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Formalin, a commonly used preservative and disinfectant, presents significant risks to biological systems, particularly through inhalation exposure. This study aimed to investigate the teratogenic effects of prenatal exposure to formalin vapors on fetal development in Sprague-Dawley rats. Eighteen pregnant rats were divided into three groups: Group I: a control group (no exposure), Group II: a 3-hour exposure group, and Group III: a 6-hour exposure group, Group II and Group III received daily exposure to 10% formalin vapor throughout gestation. The results demonstrated notable developmental impairments in the fetuses and placentas of the exposed groups, including placental discoloration, subcutaneous hematomas, and skin abnormalities in the fetuses. Furthermore, multiple stillborn and poorly developed fetuses were observed, and some placentas were underdeveloped, with no visible fetus associated. These findings highlight the potential teratogenic risks of formalin inhalation during pregnancy, underscoring the need for reassessment of occupational and environmental exposure standards to safeguard maternal and fetal health.
Keywords: Formalin, teratogenic effects, prenatal exposure, fetal development, placental abnormalities, rats