For many years, Formalin has been used for the fixation of tissue specimens. However, Formaldehyde increasingly became a focal point of criticism over the past years because, apart from its good preserving properties, it also has a strong toxic effect. In 2004 already, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organisation (WHO) classified Formaldehyde as „carcinogenic for human beings“ (hazardous substance in terms of “CMR” = carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic to reproduction). Apart from further national regulations that also classify Formaldehyde as carcinogenic, the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) submitted a proposal for reclassification in December 2012. In June 2014, also the European Commission finally classified Formaldehyde as „carcinogenic“ (Category 1B) and „mutagenic“ (Category 2). This decision was adopted and published by Resolution (EU) No. 605/2014 and became effective on 1 January 2016.
In view of the new findings about Formaldehyde along with the respective national and European reclassification, the fixation of tissue specimens increasingly focuses on user protection. The new Sarstedt Formalin System provides a cost-effective and highly secure alternative. User contact with the Formalin is prevented and health hazards are minimised. Apart from contamination-free fixation, the system provides the advantage that the Formalin volume can be individually dosed as needed so that costs involved with Formalin disposal are significantly reduced.
Brochure