Medical students at Dalhousie University won’t be learning anatomy by working with cadavers this year after the laboratory failed air quality tests over the summer.
Medical students will not train with cadavers in this school year
Carolyn Ray · CBC News
· Posted: Oct 14, 2025 5:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: 3 hours ago
Air quality testing showed the anatomy lab in the Tupper Building had levels of formaldehyde above Nova Scotia’s acceptable standards. (Grey Butler/CBC)
Medical students at Dalhousie University in Halifax won’t be learning anatomy by working with cadavers this year after the laboratory was shut down over failed air quality tests.
In a lengthy letter to students, the dean of the faculty of medicine said the anatomy lab in the Tupper Building was tested over the summer and results showed that formaldehyde levels no longer meet provincial standards.
The school attempted to fix the problem through changes to the ventilation system, but it failed a second round of tests.
“We understand that these changes have raised important questions, some that we do not have answers to at this time,” wrote Dr. David Anderson.
“We are currently looking for ongoing advice from occupational health and medical experts.”
Dalhousie University declined an interview request.
Formaldehyde is a common, colourless and pungent chemical that can cause irritation of the eyes,
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