Proper ventilation is the foundation of formaldehyde exposure control. This guide covers ventilation design for anatomy labs, pathology suites, and autopsy rooms.

Air Changes Per Hour (ACH)

Anatomy labs with formaldehyde: 8-12 ACH typical. Verify with your mechanical engineer. Pathology labs: 8-12 ACH or documented facility plan. Autopsy rooms: 10-15 ACH recommended for full-body work. Grossing stations with ventilation: Connect to room exhaust; local downdraft provides supplemental control.

Exhaust Design

Ductwork: Route all exhaust outside (not back into building). Discharge: Outdoor discharge should be away from air intakes and operable windows. No recirculation: Do not recirculate exhaust air from anatomy/pathology labs.

Makeup Air

Supply air (makeup air) must balance exhaust to prevent negative pressure and backdrafts. Verify HVAC system capacity; verify makeup air is clean (filtered).

USPE Equipment Supporting Ventilation

Covered dissection tables with 6-inch exhaust ports, downdraft stations, and ventilation-ready workstations connect to facility exhaust. Your HVAC engineer and mechanical contractor design the ductwork; USPE provides the connection points.